Providing up to $6,000 to individual artists for proposals that would help them sustain the trajectory of their artistic career, overcome a barrier to success, and/or leverage a beneficial career opportunity. Applicants may be at any stage in their career, but must be able to provide work samples of their own original art.
This grant is made possible with support from the McKnight Foundation.
Important Dates for Next Step Fund
| Application Opens in Submittable | Application Services Ends | Application Deadline |
| February 2, 2026, 12:01 am | March 13, 2026, 5 pm | March 16, 2026, 12 noon |
Grant Program Overview and Application Instructions
To find out about Next Step Fund, read through the Grant Program Overview and Application Instructions (previously known as our “Guidelines”), available below. In it, you’ll learn:
- Information about when and where your proposal can happen.
- What funding requests are allowed, including eligible and ineligible expenses.
- Details about how applications are reviewed and scored by our review panelists.
- What to do if you’ve received an MRAC grant in previous years.
- The narrative questions you’ll be asked when you describe your proposal.
- Instructions on providing your proposal budget.
- How to use Submittable to complete your application.
View and Download the Grant Overview
To submit an application, you’ll need to be very familiar with the requirements for Next Step Fund. View and download the version that works best for you!
Branded PDF
Great for viewing on your phone or computer, or for printing a hard copy. This PDF opens in a new window.
Next Step Fund Program Overview (PDF version)
Interactive Word Document
Created for screen readers and other assistive technologies. Also a good choice if you like a standard, clickable table of contents. This Word file downloads directly to your computer.
Next Step Fund Program Overview (Word version)
Application Assistance
Applicant Services will open on February 2, 2026. Also available that day:
- Recorded Informational Webinar
- Dates for virtual and in-person general Q&A sessions, including registration links
- Request form for one-on-one meeting with a program staff member
- Additional resources to help you prepare to apply, including:
- Application Questions and Explanations document
- Scoring Guide for Review Panelists
- Narrative Drafting Document
- Budget Plan Drafting Sheet
- Link to Submittable to start your application