We are happy you are interested in grant programs at MRAC. Applying for grants can seem complicated, but we want to help make it as simple and accessible as possible. First-time applicant? This is a great place to start!
On this page, you’ll find an overview of the application process.
Keep in mind that our grants serve Minnesota’s seven-county Twin Cities metro, which includes Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties. Each grant requires your primary address be in one of these counties.
Live outside of our area? Minnesota has ten other Regional Arts Councils covering the whole state! Check our What Is MRAC? page to find the RAC that serves your county.
Steps to Apply for an MRAC Grant
These are the general steps you will follow to prepare and apply for any of our grants.
If you are familiar with the process or already know which grant you’d like to apply for, head to that grant’s page to find grant information, instructions, and more!
Still unsure or like to have roadmap before you begin? Read on!
Step One: Determine the Right Grant for You
We have grants for both individual artists and organizations. The following questions will help guide you to the right grant:
- Are you an organization or group that needs assistance creating or sustaining access to the arts, through funding for things like operations, capacity, or arts programming? Flexible Support might be right for you.
- Are you an individual artist who wants to create arts access in our region or engage with your community through artistic endeavors? Check out our Creative Connections grant.
- Are you an individual artist who wants to create a project that will further your artistic or professional goals? Next Step Fund helps artists in any artistic discipline.
Each of our grants has its own page with all the specifics you need to determine if you and your project are eligible.
The eligibility rules can seem complex, but our staff is here to help!
Step 2: Understanding the Grant Overview and Eligibility Rules
Once you know which grant you’d like to apply for, you’ll want to carefully review the Grant Overview and Application Instructions, which are found on the corresponding grant program page.
These guides will tell you the eligibility rules for each grant. The rules vary by grant, so read carefully to make sure you qualify!
Then, you’ll need to gather information and prepare to do some writing. You may be asked to describe any of following: yourself or your group, the kind of arts programming you do or plan to do, and your goals or intentions, the project you want to do and why, the people the project benefits, how the project benefits the people you described, who works on the project, and your budget.
There is also Grant Information Webinar for each grant, available once the application window opens. Our program staff go through each grant step by step, so you’ll feel confident when you are ready to work on your application!
Have more specific questions or want more guidance? Our program staff is here to help! We provide regular Q&A sessions (in-person and virtual) for each grant. You can also schedule a video or phone meeting with a program officer, all on our website.
Step 3: Compiling and Submitting your Application
MRAC uses the online platform Submittable for all our grant applications. This is where you will fill out your application, submit it, and receive all correspondence from our program team.
For help related to technical aspects of using the interface, visit the Submittable Applicant Help Center to find how-to instructions and connect with their technical support staff.