Programming and Project Support Grants for Organizations

The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) offers Programming and Project Support Grants for organizations to fund activities in arts creation, performance, publication, and exhibition. Grants range from $3,000 to $11,000 for nonprofit arts organizations and $3,000 to $6,000 for non-arts nonprofits and educational institutions. Eligible applicants must be located in the SEMAC region and have a defined mission statement. The program aims to enhance arts access, education, and cultural heritage in southeastern Minnesota.

Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council
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.
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.

Eligibility

Non-arts nonprofits, non-religious K-12 schools, or other non-arts organizations including local government entities, tribal entities, colleges, and universities may only receive one grant per year.Eligibility at a glance: Arts organizations receiving Operating Support from Minnesota State Arts Board are eligible to receive one grant per year for up to $11,000. Other nonprofit arts organizations are eligible to receive two grants per year (including Rural Arts Grants) for a maximum total of up to $16,000. Non-arts organizations are eligible to receive one grant per year for up to $6,000.
Every arts organization applicant must meet ALL of the following conditions:
Be located in the SEMAC RegionHave a clearly defined Mission Statement, preferably on the websiteBe registered with the state of Minnesota as a nonprofit corporationHave current 501(c)(3) status OR use a Minnesota Fiscal Sponsor with current 501(c)(3) status who has agreed to accept grant funding on behalf of the applicantNo overdue final reports. Final reports that are due before a new grant deadline must be approved before applying in the new round.

Ineligibility

Grant proposals may not include any of the following:
Activities that are essentially for the religious socialization of the participants or audienceActivities that attempt to influence any state or federal legislation or appropriationBenefits, fundraisers, donations, and re-granting money (including outside scholarships, endowment funds, and/or prize money)Feasibility studies (exception Organizational Sustainability & Capacity Building Grants)Capital improvement, construction, or purchase of real propertyHistoric preservation projectsActivities violating federal, state, or local laws
The following budget items may not be included:
Costs for relocating outside MinnesotaOut of state travel or activitiesExpenses incurred prior to the Start Date (including publicity)Legal fees (exception copyrights or royalties)Alcoholic beveragesGrant writing expenses