Our Grants

Overview

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council offers arts grants to individuals and organizations with permanent legal addresses in its service region (Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties). Applicants must complete both the Arts Grant application and the Data Collection application. Mara Hanel, Executive Director and Grants Manager, oversees the grants.

Applicant Categories and Grants

• Grants for Cities/Counties/Nonprofit Organizations: For arts projects benefiting from $500 – $10,000. Eligible entities include non-profits (historical, fairs, healthcare, etc.), new Arts nonprofits, and governmental entities like cities and counties. Main deadlines are July 31, October 31, February 28, and April 30.
• Individual Artist Grants: $5,000, $3,000, $1,500. Deadlines are September 15, January 15, and April 30.
• Grants for Schools:
• Arts Equipment for Schools: Up to $3,000 with a 25% cash match. No competitive deadline, funded on a first-come, first-served basis as funds remain, or until April 30. Equipment used by both community and school for arts has a better chance of funding.
• Artist Residency in Schools: Maximum of $3,000 to sponsor an artist for a traditional week-long residency. No deadline, with a final submission date of April 30.
• Grants for Nonprofit Arts Organizations: General Operating Grants for non-profit arts organizations incorporated in the region. Open July 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027.

Key Dates

• Arts Project Grant Deadlines: July 31, Oct 31, Feb 28, April 30
• Individual Artist Grants Deadlines: September 15, January 15, April 30
• Arts Equipment for Schools: No Deadline (first come, first served), final submission April 30
• Artist Residency Grants: No Deadline, April 30 Final Submission Date
• General Operating Grants for non-profit arts organizations: Open July 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027
• Grant application process is closed annually between April 30 - July 1

Eligibility

Grants are for individuals and organizations with permanent legal addresses in the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council's service region, which includes Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties. College students must show proof of residency in this region.