MRAC has continued to experience a significant increase in applications, which is a testament to the need to support arts access in the region. Although this means we are reaching more people, it also means that the process has become more competitive. We are continuously working to keep this process as accessible and equitable as possible, and are excited to present the FY25 Grants Calendar.
Some highlights you can expect from MRAC this fiscal year:
- Expanded applicant services, including a longer time frame between when the application opens and when it is due
- The return of Flexible Support, Arts Impact for Individuals, and Next Step Fund grant programs
- A similar application to last year for Flexible Support and Arts Impact for Individuals in an effort to reduce applicant labor
- The return of networking and learning opportunities to more holistically serve our community and provide resources beyond financial support.
Stay tuned for grant program details, guidelines in English and Spanish, grant application resources on the MRAC website in multiple formats, opportunities for staff assistance, and more, coming in mid-July, 2024.
FY25 Grant Programs
MRAC’s grant programs and deadlines for the upcoming fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025) are as follows:
Arts Impact for Individuals
The Arts Impact for Individuals grant provides up to $5,000 for artistic projects in Minnesota led by individuals who identify as any of the following: Black, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Color (BIPOC); and/or disabled/a person with a disability; and/or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual/Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2+). Individuals must have a primary, residential address in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington county. Projects must be focused on creating access to the arts for Minnesotans, and/or engaging with Minnesota communities through artistic endeavors. Community members, rather than the applicant, must be the primary beneficiary of project activities.
Arts Impact for Individuals Dates:
- Program guidelines posted: July 15, 2024
- Applications open: August 12, 2024
- Application deadline: October 7, 2024
- Panel Review: January – February, 2025
- Board approval date: February 25, 2025
- Funded activities may take place (the Eligible Funding Period): March 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026
Program Director: Scott Artley
Flexible Support
The Flexible Support grant provides funding to help organizations / groups create and sustain Minnesotans’ access to the arts. Eligible projects include operations, and/or organizational capacity, and/or arts programming.
Because we are once again combining Arts Impact for Groups into Flexible Support, we have set aside funding specifically for groups whose leadership is 51% or more people who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC); and/or disabled people/people with disabilities; and/or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual/Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2+). These groups may request up to $25,000. Other eligible groups may request up to $15,000.
Flexible Support Dates:
- Program guidelines posted: July 15, 2024
- Applications open: August 26, 2024
- Application deadline: October 21, 2024
- Panel Review: March – April 5, 2025
- Board approval date: April 22, 2025
- Funded activities may take place (the Eligible Funding Period): May 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026
Program Directors: Mirella Espino and Sagirah Shahid
Next Step Fund
The Next Step Fund grant is designed to help artists complete a project focused on their individual artistic and/or professional development goals within an artistic discipline. Projects should outline strategies that will help the artist overcome barriers to success, sustain the continued success of their artistic career, and/or help them leverage an opportunity. The Next Step Fund is made possible with support from the McKnight Foundation and provides project grants up to $5,000 to artists in any discipline.
The Next Step Fund grant will be going through a redesign this year, and past applicants and grantees can expect to hear from MRAC staff soon to help inform the process.
Tentative Next Step Fund Dates:
- Program guidelines posted: August 30, 2024
- Applications open: December, 2024
- Application deadline: Late January, 2024
- Board approval date: May 2025
Program Director: Masami Kawazato
Please note:
Translation and accessibility services and resources are available for all grant programs upon request. More grant application resources (including guidelines) will be announced and available on MRAC’s website in mid-July.