The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council has several grant categories for organizations and cities in our region. Our main focus is on funding non-profit Arts Organizations. We do receive applications from cities, counties, and other social non-profits in our region. Our region covers the Minnesota counties of Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau. If your organization or city is within one of these counties then you can apply! All application forms and guidelines are available by emailing mara@nwrdc.org and on our grants page. Read the descriptions below to see which category may work best for your project or organization.
Arts Legacy Grants: Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund
Arts Organization should apply in our main Arts Legacy Grant category if they are requesting between $3,000 and $10,000 in grant funds. This category is best suited for a series of projects and equipment expenditures that that arts organizations will need to make. Grants are for up to $10,000 with a 10% cash match. We encourage one larger grant rather than several small grants for arts organizations. Main deadlines are August 1, November 1, and February 1; then on-going 1st of the month deadlines as funds remain.
This is also the main category to fund public art projects within communities such as murals and sculpture. There are many ideas for public art. We have worked with Forecast Public Art to develop a toolkit related to conducting a Public art project in your community.
Examples related to public art projects that we have funded are on-line.
Arts Project Grants
This is the category for arts projects that would benefit from $500 – $3,000 in grant funds. Some examples are a specific theatrical play or the sponsorship of a few folk artists to entertain at your festival. Main deadlines are August 1, November 1, and February 1.
Cultural Bank Grants
This category is insurance! Arts organizations can complete a one-page form 30 days prior to their event and if it has a loss be reimbursed 1/3 of the costs up to $1,000.00. We make the grant if you have a loss. Blizzard or tournament insurance!
If you still can’t determine which program is the right fit email mara@nwrdc.org for more help.
If you have decided which program is right for you go back to the Grants page for links to the applications.