Programming Grants for Arts Organizations [formerly Presenter/Production Assistance Grants]

Programming Grants for Arts Organizations [formerly Presenter/Production Assistance Grants]

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, Inc.
Amount: US $5,000
Last Updated: January 16, 2026

Summary

The Programming Grants for Arts Organizations, previously known as Presenter/Production Assistance Grants, provide funding to nonprofit organizations and artists in Southeastern Minnesota. Sponsored by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, these grants support arts-related programming, including public performances and educational activities. Organizations must demonstrate artistic quality and community impact, while educational institutions are eligible for Presenter Assistance. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to foster creativity and cultural engagement in the region.

Overview

The Minnesota State Legislature allocates grant funds to the State Arts Board and regional arts councils for arts-related programming by nonprofit organizations and individual artists. Programming Grants for Arts Organizations Formerly called Presenter/Production Assistance, these grants support activities directly involved in the creation, performance, publication, and exhibition of the arts in Southeastern Minnesota. SEMAC offers $5,000 grants for arts programming in one of these funding types. Presenter Assistance Helps sponsor appearances by touring artists or companies who demonstrate a high level of artistic quality. Arts Production Project Must develop an art form, or promote the artistic growth of artists associated with arts organizations. The project may be a single activity, a sequence of closely related activities, or an exhibition curated by the applicant.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Programming Grants are offered to qualified arts organizations and, in the case of Presenter Assistance, to educational institutions as noted:Public and non-religious private K-12 schools, are invited to apply for Presenter Assistance either separately or in collaboration with qualified arts organizations. 20% matching funds are required. Recipients of Programming Grants are eligible to reapply annually.Individuals and groups seeking to apply for SEMAC funding are strictly held to the following qualifications.The applicant is located in the 11-county SEMAC Region of southeastern Minnesota:Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona Counties.The primary focus of the proposal is the fine arts, i.e., the development, education, performance and/or showcasing of the arts.The proposed project includes a public component or Capstone Event to benefit the citizens of southeastern Minnesota.The project may not begin until at least sixty days after the grant deadline. The project must be completed within twelve months. Organizations must also meet all of the following requirements.Demonstrates the high quality of the arts products, services, or activities they provide as well as their impact on the community. Has a Board of Directors that meets on a regular basis.A recognized nonprofit, with Articles of Incorporation on file with the State of Minnesota. Public schools and local government entities also qualify.Is federal tax exempt, with 501(c)(3) or comparable status under the Internal Revenue Code. For programming grants, organizations in the process of achieving tax-exempt status may use a Fiscal Agent within Minnesota that is both tax-exempt and a nonprofit organization who has agreed to receive and disburse SEMAC funds.

Ineligibility

These grants cannot be used to cover costs of school residencies.