When is the deadline for Knight Foundation Cultural Opportunity Fund?

The deadline is December 31, 2026.

Knight Foundation Cultural Opportunity Fund

Q: How much funding does Knight Foundation Cultural Opportunity Fund provide?

Knight Foundation Cultural Opportunity Fund provides Partial or full subsidy (variable based on funding availability; typical Concert Hall rental is $9,500-$13,500) in funding.

The Arts Partnership

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Funding Amount

Partial or full subsidy (variable based on funding availability; typical Concert Hall rental is $9,500-$13,500)

Deadline

December 31, 2026

267 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Knight Foundation Cultural Opportunity Fund

Purpose: Foster the artistry and growth of local performers and organizations by providing the opportunity to present programming in the Concert Hall at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts with an emphasis on cultural diversity and artistic excellence.

Funder: The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Geographic Scope

Minnesota-based organizations and performers only

Eligible Applicants

Minnesota performing artists and ensembles who book the Concert Hall for a rental engagement
Priority given to emerging and mid-range performing arts organizations/ensembles
Emphasis on cultural and artistic diversity
Must be based in Minnesota

Funding Details

Funds subsidize rent and direct expenses incurred by the Ordway only
Allocated to applicants for their first booking in any one season
Subsidy amounts subject to funding availability
Subsidy will not exceed total direct expenses incurred by applicant
Funds distributed as credits on engagement's final settlement statement
Applicants may submit only 1 application per Fiscal Year
Typical Concert Hall rental cost: $9,500-$13,500

Eligible Event Types

Classical, acoustic, and popular music concerts
Choral productions
Lectures and author readings
Film screenings
Workshops
Recordings
Other artistic projects suitable for the Concert Hall
Limited suitability for dance (no fly space, wing space, or side lights)

Venue Details (Concert Hall)

Performance platform: 48' wide x 32' deep
Sprung wooden mahogany floor
No wings or fly systems
Marley floor available (as of 2026-2027 season)
Green Room capacity: 40-50 people
4 dressing rooms
2 changing rooms (capacity ~15 people each)
Equipment available: piano/keyboard, drum equipment, platform risers, choir risers, lighting, sound systems
Recording available upon request (archival at no additional cost; commercial recording has additional fees)

What They Don't Fund

Marketing and promotion (entirely recipient's responsibility)
Production planning/management support
Events not suitable for Concert Hall venue

Reporting Requirements

Awardees must submit post-show report within one month of final performance date
Must acknowledge Knight Foundation support in collateral materials and website
Required acknowledgment language: "This performance is made possible in part by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation"

Contact Information

The Arts Partnership 345 Washington Street St. Paul, MN 55102 Email: [email protected]

Administration

Reviewed by committee of Arts Partnership staff
The Arts Partnership administers allocation and decisions are final
May adjust subsidy amounts based on available resources

How to Apply

Application Process

Application Window: October through December annually

Award Notification: Mid-February

Submission Method: Online application form

Required Information

#### Contact & Organization Details
1. Contact name (first and last)
2. Primary phone number
3. Secondary phone number
4. Contact email
5. Name of organization or performer applying
6. Complete address
7. Organization/performer website
8. Not-for-profit status
9. Annual operating budget

#### Event Outline
1. Title of event
2. Brief description of art to be presented in literal terms (max 300 characters)
- Example: choral concert, dance performance, keynote speaker, storybook reading, etc.
3. Describe the project's intention
4. Define success and how performance fulfills Knight Fund purpose
5. Describe similar works completed in recent past
6. Explain marketing and promotion plan (recipient is fully responsible)

#### Technical Details
1. Project's technical needs (reference Concert Hall technical information)
2. Total number and type of performers
3. Maximum number of people on stage at one time
4. Staging needs: Select from options including
- Artist use of Choir Loft
- Piano/keyboard
- Drum equipment (rug/shield/stool)
- Platform risers
- Choir risers
- Special flooring
- Other
5. Video/Lighting needs: Select from options including
- 11'x20' screen + projector
- General concert lighting
- Specifically designed lighting (applicant provides lighting designer)
- Other
6. Sound needs: Select from options including
- Spoken word
- Vocals
- Acoustic instruments
- Electric instruments
- Playback audio
- Monitors
- Other
7. Wardrobe: Costume/stage wear and steaming/laundry needs
8. List technical support people (lighting designers, stage managers, etc.)
9. Recording preferences:
- Archival recording (available at no additional cost)
- Audio recording (commercial/promotional)
- Video recording (commercial/promotional)
- Photography (commercial/promotional)
- Livestream (commercial/promotional)
10. Instrumentation list for event
11. Other questions or comments
12. How you heard about the program