Search Through Grants for Performing Arts in Minnesota in the U.S.

Nordson Corporation Foundation

The Nordson Corporation Foundation awards grants to non-profits in our communities throughout the United States. Since 1989, the Foundation has awarded more than $60 million in grants to improve the quality of life in our communities, placing a special focus on causes related to education. Employees support the foundation by making donations during our annual A Time to Give Campaign, or by participating in a Community Affairs Committee (CAC). Committees review grant applications and vote to distribute Foundation funds to deserving local causes. During the last financial year, the Foundation gave out 362 grants totaling $6.3 million.

Nordson Foundation Giving Strategies

The geographic areas in which Nordson has major facilities determine the Nordson Foundation's giving priorities.

Within these geographic areas, granting priorities are driven by community needs. Although needs change quickly, our vision is long term. We pursue and support results-oriented opportunities that prepare individuals for full and equal participation in the economic and social mainstream. We believe these kinds of programs help improve the quality of life over the long term and produce stronger, more enlightened communities in which we live and work. We strive to fulfill these responsibilities in our communities through contributions to charitable activities with a focus on education. Other major giving categories that are supported are human welfare, civic affairs and arts and culture. 

Nordson Foundation Values 

In the spirit of our corporate founders, the Nordson Corporation Foundation continues to operate on the belief that business, as a corporate citizen, has a social responsibility to share its success with the communities where it operates and draws employees.  

The Nordson Foundation is dedicated to improving our communities by supporting the continuum of education from birth to adulthood in the belief that education is the key for individuals to become self-sufficient, productive members of society.  

To prepare individuals for economic independence, a variety of quality educational experiences are necessary. To be successful today, individuals not only need to master the basics, “reading, writing and arithmetic”, they must also know how to think critically and creatively. Strengthening the community’s human capital – through quality education – is crucial.  

The Nordson Foundation offers support to non-profit organizations that cultivate educational curriculum and experiences that foster self-sufficiency, job readiness and goals to aspire to higher education. The Foundation is well aware of the fact that for non-profit organizations to remain viable they must receive operating support. With this in mind, Nordson Corporation Foundation does invest in general operating support.  

As stewards of the Foundation assets, the directors feel strongly that the organizations that are supported by the Foundation be able to measure the effectiveness of their mission and programs. Quantitative and/or qualitative data allows for the Foundation to ensure that the organizations it supports are bringing about the desired outcomes in our communities.

Nordson Foundation Goals

The goals of the Nordson Corporation Foundation are to insure that:

• All children have access to and receive quality educational experiences from early childhood  
• All individuals have the opportunity to be self-sufficient members of society 
• There is a continuum of quality educational opportunities 
• Our communities are strengthened by the organizations we fund whether their focus is education, human welfare, civic or arts and culture

Nordson Foundation Funding Strategy

Through its grant-making, the Foundation supports organizations that directly or indirectly seek to maximize success before, during and beyond the traditional classroom years. Grants will be reviewed and considered on the basis of their enrichment to the communities where our employees live and work. Organizations and programs receiving grants will be expected to identify relevant, measurable outcomes to demonstrate the effectiveness of their programs.

Education

• Early Childhood Care and Education
• Maximizing Student Success
• Access to quality educational opportunities
• Innovative programs
• Partnerships/collaborations with school districts
• Funding gaps not covered by public monies
• Augmenting core curriculum
• Exposure to programs that expand on traditional education
• Workforce Preparation
• Initial preparation for the world of work
• Retraining for the new job market
• Strengthening our communities

Human Welfare

• Promote prevention and lifestyle maintenance programs and activities
• Promote crisis intervention
• Promote life transition opportunities
• Promote systemic change

Arts and Culture

• Actively seek to broaden the audience bases in Nordson communities
• Support the visual and performing arts
• Provide educational enrichment for students
• Motivation for at-risk youth
• Provide access to the arts for special needs audience
• Promote greater understanding among people via the arts

Civic

• Work to improve the physical or economic environment
• Provide cultural or historical preservation
• Strive to inform citizens and increase their participation in community improvement

SMAC: Arts in the Schools Grants

Provides public schools with up to $4,000 for projects such as artist residencies, arts field trips, juried student art exhibits, etc.

Program Intent

The Arts in the Schools grant program provides public schools with funding for activities such as artist residencies with a professional artist or organization working in-depth with students, juried student art exhibits, and field trips to art galleries, professional performances, etc.

Arts in the Schools grant projects must be open to all students within a grade, subject discipline, or activity, rather than exclusive to a student organization or specific students selected by teachers. Projects may occur during the school year or during the summer.

To broaden the total impact, the general community should be involved in some aspect. Examples: invite the community to an exhibit of students’ residency work, host a Meet the Artist night, or sponsor a community education class. Detail the community component of your project. (App: How will the broader community support and be involved in the project?) 

Funding

The Arts in the Schools grant program is dependent on funding from the voters of Minnesota, thanks to MN State legislative appropriations from the arts and cultural heritage fund and the State’s general fund.

Background

F. R. Bigelow Foundation believes that our community should not only benefit from our work, but inform and form it as well. Creating solutions to today’s issues requires a collaborative approach. Our work is also rooted in a commitment to racial equity.

We offer general operating, program and some capital support. The Foundation considers grant applications from nonprofit organizations and public entities fostering a vibrant East Metro region and seeking to achieve racially and economically equitable outcomes in the areas of arts & culture, economic & community development, education & youth development, health, housing and human services.

Funding Priorities

F. R. Bigelow Foundation has six focus areas and will consider proposals that address one or more of the following:

Arts & Culture

Strengthening the arts & culture sector to serve all individuals and all communities across the East Metro region by supporting general operations and capital projects

• The Foundation shares Grantmakers in the Arts’ view that all “peoples, their cultures, and their art contribute to the meaning and understanding of our humanity and should be honored and celebrated.”
• Priority will be given to arts and culture organizations that seek to amplify narratives and voices across BIPOC communities and other communities experiencing marginalization (e.g., people with disabilities, low-income communities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, formerly incarcerated people, etc.).
• Please note that the Foundation has not historically supported specific productions, performances, exhibits, artist fees, etc. through this application-based process.

Community and Economic Development

Building a strong and vital East Metro through community building, physical development and strengthening support for low-income individuals, families and underrepresented communities through workforce development and training 

• The Foundation seeks to invest and partner in solutions informed and formed by the people facing the highest barriers to wealth creation, economic security and family-sustaining career pathways. In the East Metro, this includes BIPOC, women, veterans, young people, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated people and LGBTQIA+ people.
• Specific priorities for wealth creation include strengthening the entrepreneur ecosystem and increasing local ownership of businesses and homes.
• Regarding economic security, the Foundation recognizes the importance of anchor institutions embedded at the neighborhood level. For workforce development, we will prioritize employment pathways that meet the needs of individuals and employers alike.

Education & Youth Development

Supporting under-served children, youth and young adults by investing in access to high-quality education and youth development both in and out of school from cradle to career

• The Foundation recognizes how important it is for students and young people to feel cared for, protected, valued and seen after a difficult period in their learning and growth. This is complex and urgent work, and the Foundation will prioritize organizations that blend academic, social and emotional support for young people most impacted by educational inequity.
• The Foundation will also prioritize support to organizations working to build a robust early childhood system that gives children and families access to high-quality care and education programs.

Health

Increasing health equity through quality, affordable, culturally relevant services, particularly for low-income, uninsured, under-insured and socially marginalized individuals.

• The Foundation continues to prioritize health organizations that focus on health equity and increasing access to affordable, culturally relevant health services.
• The Foundation hopes to better align its health grants to be inclusive of programs and organizations that serve low-income families, provide free or affordable, culturally relevant services, and holistic care.
• Given the increase in severity, cost of and demand for mental health services, urgent care and/or crisis prevention, access to reproductive health care, trauma-informed health care, and free or reduced services for uninsured or underinsured communities, the Foundation will prioritize these programs and organizations to continue to serve our most vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Housing

Improving access for low-income individuals and families to affordable quality housing, preventing and ending homelessness.

• The Foundation embraces the vision for housing justice articulated by the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness.
• The Foundation will prioritize work that ensures the most marginalized people experiencing housing instability and homelessness are able to access housing that is “safe, decent, affordable,” and “free of prejudice” while also receiving the additional support and services they need.

Human Services 

Investing in basic needs for individuals and families, helping them be safe, stable and independent.

• The Foundation will prioritize grants that assist residents in navigating life transitions, finding safety and stability, and promoting independence.
• In addition to supporting work that centers the voices of the people most impacted by an organization’s work, special priority will be given to disability support services, child welfare support services, family and parent support services, food relief and assistance, older adult services, immigration and legal services, and re-entry supports for formerly incarcerated people.

Types of Grants

The Foundation will consider grant applications for:

General Operating Support

• These grants provide flexible funding for nonprofits in which at least 50% of the organization’s services benefit residents in the East Metro (Dakota, Washington and Ramsey counties).

Capital Projects

• The Foundation supports capital projects located in the East Metro with 50% or more of services from that facility benefiting East Metro residents.
• Grants are designed to support investment in buildings, facilities and equipment. Foundation investments are typically limited to buildings owned by nonprofits or held by long-term lease agreement.
• These grants are generally paid over multiple years.

Our History

On August 27, 1953, Archie D & Bertha H Walker established the Archie D & Bertha H Walker Family Foundation. The purpose, as stated in conformity with the Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation Act, "shall be to foster and promote charitable, scientific, literary, religious and educational ends,..." their personal reasons for establishing such an institution were to support and encourage charitable activities. They wished to devote the excess of funds over and above their needs, and those of their family, to improve the community in which they lived. They wished to enhance the effectiveness and value of those funds devoted to the charitable activities in which they had become interested. They encouraged their family members to become involved in community programs which improve and enrich the life of their community.

Annual Grant Priorities

Support for Combating Systemic Racism, Prejudice, & Exclusivity

• Nonprofits that address racist practices and policies.
• Nonprofits that are working to dismantle systemic barriers and create equitable access to resources and opportunities.

Support for  Organizations in Arts

• Nonprofits that support the creation of art, learning in the arts at all stages of life, and the integration of the arts into the fabric of community life.
• Nonprofits that provide visual arts, performing arts, and/or literary arts.

The Minnesota State Arts Board and Minnesota's designated regional arts councils are entrusted with stewardship of funding through the State of Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF.) Proceeds from the fund may be spent only on arts and arts access, arts education and arts and cultural heritage. The fund is intended to create a strong arts legacy in Minnesota.

The East Central Regional Arts Council has Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (also known as Legacy) grants available for arts projects sponsored by groups, organizations, nonprofits, and units of government located within the Region 7E service area. This category provides support to organizations for a wide variety of larger arts projects involving the creation, sponsorship, publication, performance, and/or exhibition of art. Arts producing activities should result from the project. There is no limit on the number of grants that can be received each fiscal year, at this time, but applicants are limited to submitting one application per grant deadline. An Outcome Evaluation Plan is required for this funding program.

Examples of eligible projects:

• Performances by touring artists/companies
• Exhibitions such as visual art shows
• Local theatre productions
• Residencies involving a professional artist
• Workshops, classes, publications, films, and presentations that promote artists or participation in the arts
• Public art projects
• Art equipment, provided that an equipment use plan is submitted and approved
• Other projects providing access to the arts for community audiences

Mission

The Mission of Lake Region Arts Council is to encourage and support the vitality of the arts in West Central Minnesota.

Project Grants

The Project Grant provides up to $3,000 for activities directly involved in the creation, performance and/or exhibition of an artistic project. A 20% match from the applicant organization is required. The Project Grant is open to all artistic disciplines, art, dance, literary, musical performance, etc.

Carolyn Foundation 

Our Vision

To improve the lives of children/families, communities and the environment through the involvement of successive generations of the family of Carolyn McKnight Christian.

Our Mission

To support programs and initiatives that effect positive change now and in the future.

Our Values

Minneapolis, MN - Community Grantmaking Priority:  Middle School Children & Youth

Carolyn Foundation wants to fund programs that encourage low-income middle school students in Minneapolis to attend high performing/potential schools and provide support programs during and after school that help ensure that those schools are relevant to this student population. The Foundation believes that:

• All parents love their children and want them to get an education that will prepare them for success.
• All kids are capable of learning and doing well in school regardless of socio-economic status.
• Schools matter – attending a school that is providing students most in-need a good education is critical for long-term success.
• Support programs, no matter how good, don’t make up for damage done by attending a low performing school. In schools that are doing well, support programs create relevance and added value.
• Middle school (G 6-7-8) is a critical developmental stage setting the foundation for success in high school that is often under-resourced

School Based Programs Guidelines

Carolyn Foundation is committed to partnering with schools that are providing a quality education to students most in need. We know that the benefits of additional programs and resources in these schools will be used wisely and support a high-quality system of education. We also know that great enrichment or after-school programs sometimes draw families to schools that are failing students, creating a harmful unintended consequence. To this end, we will fund programs in middle schools that are closing the gap for students most in-need in Minneapolis. These schools can be found in the Minneapolis School Finder, and are listed below.

As we review proposals, we carefully look at the middle school age populations being served and focus our efforts on those with significant economic challenges typically as indicated by eligibility for free or reduced lunch. We will seek programs that apply proven best practices and respectfully support these young people and their families in culturally appropriate ways.

In addition to our continuing emphasis on developmentally appropriate programs designed for middle school students, we also recognize the importance of culturally relevant programs, staff and organizations that empower young people to develop agency, independence, and empowerment. We prefer programs that explicitly demonstrate an equity, inclusion, and empowerment lens in their work.

Because we believe programs that are integrated and aligned with school curriculum and objectives have the highest impact – all in-and after-school program requests must include a letter of support from the school leader (not community ed.) explaining how and why the program fits with the school’s priorities and plans.

Community Based Programs Guidelines

As we review proposals, we carefully look at the middle school age populations being served and focus our efforts on those with significant economic challenges typically as indicated by eligibility for free or reduced lunch. We will seek programs that apply proven best practices and respectfully support these young people and their families in culturally appropriate ways. Click the following links for more information about program design for middle school age youth: 

• Once We Know It 
• Quality Matters
• Middle School Transition 

In addition to our continuing emphasis on developmentally appropriate programs designed for middle school students, we also recognize the importance of culturally relevant programs, staff and organizations that empower young people to develop agency, independence, and empowerment. We prefer programs that explicitly demonstrate an equity, inclusion, and empowerment lens in their work.

Mission

The Mission of Lake Region Arts Council is to encourage and support the vitality of the arts in West Central Minnesota.

Legacy Organizational Grant

To increase Arts Access, Arts Learning and Arts and Cultural Heritage opportunities for all Minnesotans. Arts Organizations (nonprofit), nonprofits with project that have Arts as the primary focus, local governments, and educational institutions in the LRAC nine-county region.

The Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund will support activities in three key areas:

• Arts & Arts Access:
  • Up to 79% of the fund will support Minnesota artists and arts organizations in creating, producing, and presenting high-quality arts activities; to overcome barriers to accessing high-quality arts activities; and to instill the arts into the community and public life in this state.
  • Such activities may be, but are not limited to:
    • Investing in activities that make the arts available to persons who might not otherwise have access due to economic, geographic, or physical barriers.
    • Ensuring that Minnesota’s artists have sufficient financial support to create high quality art.
    • Investing in the long-term health and vitality of Minnesota’s arts sector by supporting capacity-building and professional development.
    • Investing in efforts that enable Minnesotans to connect with arts/arts experiences.
    • Investing in efforts to fully integrate the arts into local community development efforts.
    • Investing in efforts to integrate the arts into local and state economic development planning.
    • Investing in public art that is available throughout the state.
    • Recognizing and rewarding artists/arts organizations/arts providers for exceptional artistic quality and service to their audiences and/or the state.
• Arts Education:
  • Investing in lifelong learning in the arts: Up to 16% of the fund will support high- quality, age-appropriate arts education for Minnesotans of all ages to develop knowledge, skills, and understanding of the arts.
  • Such activities may be, but are not limited to:
    • Investing in efforts that enable Minnesotans to connect with arts learning opportunities.
    • Ensuring that artists are able to invest in professional development.
    • Ensuring that arts learning opportunities are achieving intended outcomes through ongoing assessment and evaluation.
• Arts & Cultural Heritage:
  • Building bridges between Minnesotans through arts and culture: Up to 5% of the fund may be used for events and activities that represent the diverse ethnic and cultural arts traditions, including folk and traditional artists and art organizations, represented in this state.
  • Such activities may be, but are not limited to:
    • Providing Minnesotans with opportunities to celebrate our cultural heritage through events and activities that represent the range of Minnesota’s ethnic and cultural arts traditions.
    • Ensuring that Minnesotans are able to experience folk/traditional arts of diverse cultures by supporting the work of folk and traditional artists/arts organizations.

The Art Project program provides funding of up to $5,000 to support relevant, meaningful arts activities with value to the community your organization serves. Support may be used to create, perform, exhibit or publish artistic works; or to present arts events by contracting the services of other organizations or individuals.

Criteria

• Artistic Vision, both of past work and of the proposal presented 
• Impact of the project on the organization and/or their community, and the region 
• Ability to carry out the project

Applicants that demonstrate an ability to meet these criteria will be weighed together as a slate to ensure equitable distribution of geographic and demographic diversity, ability to reach underserved arts audiences, and diversity of arts disciplines.

Program Intent

The Art Project grant program provides nonprofit organizations with funding to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts in the region. Art Projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Music, dance, and theater productions by community groups
• Productions by professionals brought into the community
• Visual art exhibits
• Readings by authors
• Arts classes for community members of all ages (excluding projects in schools)
• Public art
• Arts festivals

Funding

Art Project grants are available for up to $10,000.

Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council

The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) has served as the designated regional arts council for Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona counties, including the Prairie Island Indian Community since 1977. Through our six grant programs, SEMAC supports arts programming in every corner of our region by awarding close to $1,000,000 per year to individuals, arts organizations, non-arts nonprofits, schools, and local government entities.

SEMAC is one of eleven Regional Arts Councils designated by the State of Minnesota to make final decisions on the use of appropriations from the state’s general fund and from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund | Minnesota’s Legacy to support local and regional arts development.

Programming and Project Support Grants for Organizations

These grants are meant to support activities directly involved in the creation, performance, publication, and exhibition of the arts with a focus in one or more of the three key areas identified in the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund Legacy Amendment – Arts Access, Arts Education, and Cultural Heritage.

Nonprofit arts and non-arts organizations (nonprofits, schools, local government and tribal entities) are eligible to apply and collaborations between arts and non-arts organizations are encouraged. An accessible public event is required.

Proposed budgets should give priority to paying fees to artists, creative production team members, and people providing technical support to help create and support a thriving arts ecosystem throughout southeastern Minnesota.

Award amount: $3,000 to $11,000 for nonprofit arts organizations. Non-arts nonprofits, non-religious K-12 schools, or other non-arts organizations including local government entities, nonprofits, colleges, and universities are eligible for $3,000 to $6,000.

Purpose: To support activities directly involved in the creation, performance, publication, and exhibition of the arts with a focus in one or more of the three key areas identified in the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund Legacy Amendment – Arts Access, Arts Education, and Cultural Heritage.

About

Together we unite foundations in Alexandria, Brainerd, Carver County, the greater St. Cloud area, Willmar and beyond under a single framework to create efficiencies that maximize the impact of our donors.

Mission:

Engaging People. Connecting Resources. Building Community.

We Believe In:

• Capturing and preserving the legacy of our donors … Forever
• Our duty to provide unparalleled, personalized service to our donors
• Inspiring philanthropy across generations
• Utilizing financial resources as a tool to bring about lasting, positive change
• Our responsibility to serve as a trusted local leader and community catalyst, building connections between people who share a common geography

Central Minnesota Arts Grant

In even years (2024, 2026, 2028…) the Central Minnesota Community Foundation opens this grant round to support small to medium sizes arts organizations in Central Minnesota and arts activities conducted by other organizations. The goal is to make the arts more accessible to area residents.

Focus Areas

Arts: Visual Art or Performing Arts (dance, music, drama)

• Support small to medium size organizations
• Support organizations to:
  • Create access to the arts
  • Support the appreciation of the arts
  • Increase art education
  • Engage people in arts performances or arts exhibits

Northwest Minnesota Foundation

Mission

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation invests resources, facilitates collaboration and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.

Vision

Northwest Minnesota will be a place where communities and people work together to foster opportunity, promote philanthropy, and enrich the lives of all residents.

Bemidji Area Arts Endowment

The Bemidji Area Arts Endowment, a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, is pleased to announce its grant and scholarship opportunities. This grant and scholarship program support the mission of the BAAE, which is to “create a community in which the arts flourish and enhance our lives.”

Schools, nonprofit groups, or nonprofit arts organizations in the Bemidji area may request a grant up to $1,500 from the BAAE Arts Project grant round to produce an arts event, put on a workshop, develop an arts organization, sponsor touring arts events, or sponsor an artist in residence, etc.

Grants to be awarded through the BAAE Arts Project grant round are made possible through BAAE and the following funds: Patt and Ernie Rall Children’s Performing Arts Fund, the Sandy Kaul Fund for the Arts Fund, the Frederick Marshall Fund and the John Rabel Memorial Music Fund.

About GIG Fund

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000-4,000 that supports creative projects and educational events in the Midwest. These funds help organizations present artists in their community by supporting programming and touring costs.

The GIG Fund provides flexible grants for nonprofit organizations to support programs and activities featuring professional artists. GIG Fund grants help cover fees for touring or local artists. Funds may also be used for project costs such as accessibility accommodations and marketing. We work with a panel to help us review applications and distribute grants annually.

GIG Fund

Flexible support to help arts and culture organizations grow their capacity, fund artist engagements, and build community.

What is the GIG Fund?

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000-4,000 that supports creative projects and educational events in the Midwest. These funds help organizations present artists in their community by supporting programming and touring costs. The GIG Fund is a grant that supports Midwestern organizations that want to contract with a professional artist to offer activities to their community. 

Matching requirement

Organizations will be required to demonstrate matching funds on a 1:1 basis for the grant amount.

To demonstrate the match, your expenses should each be at least double your GIG Fund grant. Potential sources for the match include salaries and wages, in-kind contributions, volunteer hours, earned and contributed revenue (donations, ticket sales, other non-Federal grants), or cash from the applicant or partner organizations.

Grant Goals

Provide funding to organizations to offer scholarships to underserved youth and adults to pursue music, including singing, band, and orchestral instruments; creative writing; studio arts, including traditional craft and folk arts; and performing arts, including dance and theater, throughout the state of Minnesota.

Organizations that receive funding from the Legacy Fund that support arts and culture are expected to:

• Amplify arts, culture, and heritage in Minnesota,
• Increase the depth and breadth of Minnesotans who will connect with arts, culture, and heritage,and
• Provide opportunities for individuals in Minnesota to enjoy arts and culture for free or at reduced cost to allow access for economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Minnesota to attend Legacy programs. 

The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation was established in 1994 by concerned business and community leaders to help local citizens contribute to the community to improve the quality of life in this area. The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation is one of only 700 community foundations in the United States. We are a nonprofit public charity whose purpose is to have a positive impact through philanthropy in all sectors of the community and manage a collection of funds initiated by individuals, corporations and community service organizations to benefit the geographical area around Itasca County, Minnesota.The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who live and work in the Itasca County area, who are knowledgeable about their communities, and who are committed to ensuring that the spirit and the intent of each gift is honored. Each year, the Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations and community groups working to strengthen the Greater Itasca Area, which includes Itasca County and surrounding areas. If your organization is addressing local needs—whether through education, human services, the arts, environment, or other areas of impact—we invite you to apply. For 30+ years, the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation has been connecting generous donors to the region’s needs to create lasting, local change. 

Our Mission

We strive to build a stronger community by mobilizing generosity around the needs of the people in the greater Itasca area.

Our Vision

Generosity gives everyone the opportunity to thrive.

Our Values

• Integrity: We do what’s right – legally and morally.
• Trust: We earn confidence through demonstrated actions.
• Stewardship: We watch over, maintain, and accept full responsibility with regard to managed funds and Foundation affairs.
• Collaboration: We embrace the value of partnerships and shared input.
• Compassion: We care about our community members and respect their individual differences, diversity, and opinions.

What is a Community Foundation?A Community Foundation is a nonprofit, public charity, whose purpose is to impact a geographical area through grants. They create funds that help their community meet the challenge of changing times by investing and administering these funds. Grant money for these funds comes from individuals, businesses, private foundations and community service organizations.   The financial resources from these groups are invested and then brought back to the community.What is the difference between a private and public foundation?Most of the funds in a private foundation come from one source, whether an individual, a family or a corporation. A public foundation, in contrast, receives its assets from multiple sources.  The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation is a public foundation.

Who invests the money?The Community Foundation relies on a knowledgeable Finance and Stewardship Committee to oversee Foundation investments  made by professional investment managers. The Foundation has an investment policy which managers follow.

How is the Foundation accountable to the public?As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Community Foundation files reports with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.  The Foundation also has an annual audit performed by a CPA firm and files the required 990 with the IRS.  All of this information is available to the public.

The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation was established in 1983 by visionary community leaders. We are a collection of hundreds of endowed funds established by individuals, families, private foundations, and businesses to enhance the quality of life in our region. Since our inception, we have distributed more than $40 million in grants and scholarships and currently administer over 360 different funds, each with its own charitable purpose. The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation promotes private giving for the public good.

Fund Description

John T. and Elizabeth C. Adams Arts Fund is designed to attract programs of artistic quality to the Duluth-Superior area and enrich performances, exhibits and artistic services for area organizations. 

 Illinois Arts Council 

The Illinois Arts Council serves the people of Illinois through a variety of grants and services, primarily geared to: 

Support Illinois' Arts Sector: Operating and technical support provided to organizations and programs statewide helps keep Illinois’ arts sector vital, vibrant, and accessible to all.

Advance Arts Education: The arts can be a part of the education of every single child in this state through the programs, services, partnerships, and collaborations of the Illinois Arts Council. 

Foster Creativity and Working Artists: Resources, opportunities, and direct support for the work of individual artists -- the foundation of Illinois' creative environment.

Illinois State funding for the arts includes programs offered by Arts Midwest.

About Arts Midwest

Arts Midwest advances creativity across our region, building unprecedented opportunity for everyone who calls this place home. We support, inform, and celebrate arts organizations and creative communities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, we work to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Together, we nourish the creative roots of the Midwest—and share our region’s transformative ideas with the world.

This year, we’re pleased to offer two tracks of funding: GIG Fund and GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness.

GIG Fund

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to offer public-facing arts projects and activities in Midwestern communities.

The goal of the GIG Fund is to make arts opportunities more accessible to underserved audiences across the region. Funds may be used for performances; exhibits; arts festivals; public art, or other activities that provide Midwesterners the opportunity to experience art and creativity. This round of GIG Fund grants is for supporting activities taking place between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. There are three requirements:

1) Engage a Professional Artist or Ensemble 2) Offer at Least Two Activities Featuring the Artist(s) and 3) Reach an Underserved Audience: At least one activity must engage an underserved audience—groups with limited access to the arts due to geography (such as rural audiences), economics (such as lower income audiences), disability, or lack of relevant content (such as families or school communities without ready access to children’s or all-ages programming).

These grants are federal funds that derive from the National Endowment for the Arts. A 1:1 match is required.

About Arts Midwest

We amplify Midwestern creativity, building community and opportunity across our region and beyond.

Arts Midwest advances creativity across our region, building unprecedented opportunity for everyone who calls this place home. We support, inform, and celebrate arts organizations and creative communities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, we work to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Together, we nourish the creative roots of the Midwest—and share our region’s transformative ideas with the world.

This year, we’re pleased to offer two tracks of funding: GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness, and GIG Fund.

GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness

The GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 for organizations of any budget size whose projects have an arts and wellness focus.  Funds may be used for performances, workshops, programs in clinical settings, creative aging programs, efforts that engage veterans in the arts, etc.  Applicants may only apply for one GIG Fund grant per year.

Arts Midwest recognizes the field of arts and wellness to be far-reaching and applicants should identify how their arts project addresses some element of health and wellness.

This round of GIG Fund grants is for supporting activities taking place between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. There are three requirements.

1) Engage a Professional Artist or Ensemble 2) Offer at Least Two Activities Featuring the Artist(s) and 3) Professional Development: With support from The Hearst Foundations, Arts Midwest will offer professional development opportunities to grantees to strengthen arts and wellness initiatives across the Midwest.

Season/Series Arts Grant Intention

This grant program was created to help arts organizations, and other nonprofit entities that do a high volume of arts activities or arts programming, by allowing them to fill out one grant application to fund many events instead of multiple grant applications to fund each individual event. It is our hope that this will save valuable staff/volunteer time and effort in applying for our funding and subsequently filling out all the follow up information connected to a funded grant.

Each Season/Series Arts Support Grant assists an organization in funding the creation, production, and presentation of two or more arts activities to benefit the residents of Minnesota’s Beltrami, Hubbard, Clearwater, Lake of the Woods, and Mahnomen counties. Proposals that include public art, arts festivals, engagement of guest artists, artists-in-residence programs, educational performances, educational arts field trips, arts training or workshops, exhibitions, presentations, or performances will be considered. These proposals must show a commitment to developing new/and or expanded arts programming from what the applicant organization has presented in the past. Additional attention should be paid to one or more of the following:

• Access - removing barriers that audiences may have to accessing arts activities
• Education - developing knowledge, skills, and understanding for the arts for Minnesotans of all ages
• Arts & Cultural Heritage - representing through the arts the diverse ethnic and cultural arts traditions in our state
• building bridges between Minnesotans through arts and culture.

Background

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council was designated as the regional arts council for northwestern Minnesota by the Minnesota State Legislature.The Council works with local and area arts organizations and individuals to develop the arts in Region 1. The Arts Council submits a biennial Regional Arts Plan to the Minnesota State Arts Board. The NWMAC then receives a block grant from the Minnesota State Legislature, with the Minnesota State Arts Board serving as fiscal agent. This source of funds is used to provide grants for the 7 counties which comprise the region:

• Kittson
• Marshall
• Norman
• Pennington
• Polk
• Red Lake
• Roseau

Arts Equipment for Schools

Supported by general allocation funds from the Minnesota state legislature, schools can apply to purchase artistic equipment for their visual art, performing art, media arts, or creative writing departments. Grants are for up to $3,000 with a 25% cash match. 

This grant supports the creation of a new publicly accessible temporary or permanent artwork anywhere in the state of Minnesota by a Minnesota-based mid-career public artist. Projects may be in any form or discipline, including performance, dance, storytelling, photography, film, sculpture, painting, etc.

What is Public Art?

Broadly speaking, public art is artwork in the public realm, regardless of whether it is situated on public or private property, or whether it is supported through public or private funding. It can range from temporary to permanent work, murals to sculptures, interventions to performances. It can also be storytelling, iron pours, sound and light projects, dance and spoken word. It is free and accessible to all members of a community.

What is a Mid-Career Artist?

A mid-career artist is an artist who has been actively creating and exhibiting their work for at least ten years. They have established a reputation in the art world, have a larger body of work, and may exhibit their work regionally, nationally, or internationally. Mid-career artists may also have received some kind of recognition from the art world, such as through public presentations, magazine publications, online commentary, or industry acknowledgement. Other criteria for mid-career artists include having numerous solo art shows and collectors both nationally and internationally. Age is not a determining factor. Career stage is assessed by the cumulative number of years an artist has been generating their own work. Mid-career or established artists shifting from one artistic discipline to another will still be considered mid-career. For example, a composer with a substantial career in music who is now moving into sculpture will be considered mid-career.

Grant Intention: This grant supports public art research and development activities by Minnesota-based early-career artists.

Forecast Equity Commitment

Forecast seeks to fund a diverse group of artists working in all career stages and a range of public art practices and media. We place particular emphasis on supporting and amplifying the artistic work of BIPOC and Native artists, LGBTQIA+ artists, womxn artists, immigrant artists, artists from rural communities, and artists with disabilities. It is our value that our applicants, panelists, and grantees reflect the racial, cultural, and geographic diversity of our state, as well as the stories and perspectives of the artists and communities we serve.

We know that there is no “one-size-fits-all” language when it comes to talking about race and identity and that this language is always evolving. If you relate to what we’ve described here, please apply!

Overview

This grant supports early-career artists in public art-related research and development, or with the planning phase of a freely accessible public art installation or activity in Minnesota. Activities could range from research to planning, community dialogues, site or budget development, or model building. R+D grants may be used for the development of proposals for other public or nonprofit agencies; however, they may not be used for private commissions.

• What is Public Art? Broadly speaking, public art is artwork in the public realm, regardless of whether it is situated on public or private property, or whether it is supported through public or private funding. It can range from temporary to permanent work, murals to sculptures, interventions, performances, storytelling, iron pours, sound and light projects, dance and spoken word. It is free and accessible to all members of a community.
• What is an Early-Career Artist? An early-career artist is considered as, “showing significant potential, yet…under recognized by their peers and arts professionals. Evidence of some professional achievement is expected but artists with an extensive record of accomplishment are not eligible.” These grants are not for artists early on in their public career, it is for artists of any discipline who are early in their career. If you are considered mid-career in your studio practice but have little public art experience, you would not qualify for the early-career grants, rather, you should apply for the mid-career grants. Forecast’s early-career artist grants are funded by the Jerome Foundation.

Funding

Four grants, $2,500 each

This grant supports Minnesota-based mid-career artists seeking to expand or advance their careers in the field of public art. Funding can be used to support the development of a project idea or to participate in activities that will help applicants further their careers as public artists. Professional development activities can range from residencies to apprenticeships, conferences, travel, study, skill development, and the creation of project models or prototypes, as long as the overall outcome is to advance the applicant’s public art career. Professional Development grants may be used for the development of proposals for other public or nonprofit agencies.

What is Public Art?

Broadly speaking, public art is artwork in the public realm, regardless of whether it is situated on public or private property, or whether it is supported through public or private funding. It can range from temporary to permanent work, murals to sculptures, interventions, performances, storytelling, iron pours, sound and light projects, dance and spoken word. It is free and accessible to all members of a community.

What is a Mid-Career Artist?

A mid-career artist is an artist who has been actively creating and exhibiting their work for at least ten years. They have established a reputation in the art world, have a larger body of work, and may exhibit their work regionally, nationally, or internationally. Mid-career artists may also have received some kind of recognition from the art world, such as through public presentations, magazine publications, online commentary, or industry acknowledgement. Other criteria for mid-career artists include having numerous solo art shows and collectors both nationally and internationally.

Age is not a determining factor. Career stage is assessed by the cumulative number of years an artist has been generating their own work. Mid-career or established artists shifting from one artistic discipline to another will still be considered mid-career. For example, a composer with a substantial career in music who is now moving into sculpture will be considered mid-career.

Arts Access Grant

Arts Access funding is designated for arts creation, production, presentation of high-quality, accessible activities that help instill the arts into the community and public life in our region. Eligible grant proposals must display a commitment to reaching wider audiences through providing new and/or expanded arts programming to residents of our region’s counties, and/or by supporting accessibility initiatives through the project. Eligible proposals must show dedication to removing barriers that audiences may have to accessing arts activities. Organizations can apply for up to two Arts Access Grants for two different arts activities each year.

Arts activities proposed for funding must be accessible by the public (not exclusively serving faculty, staff, students, board or organization membership). Activity must begin within 12 months of the earliest start date, and must be completed by the specified date.

Grant Goals

Provide funding to individuals/organizations that have a history of working with diverse cultural communities to support community events, music and jazz festivals, or cultural festivals for art installations, music, and other performances and activities that support festivals and events.

Festival grants are to be used in Minnesota for:

• Community events,
• Music and jazz festivals,
• Cultural festivals for art installations, music, and other performances and activities that support festivals and events.