SEMAC: General Operating Support Grants

The SEMAC: General Operating Support Grants invite nonprofit arts organizations in the SEMAC region, with operating expenses under $174,000, to apply for funding aimed at enhancing their stability through administrative support. Grants of up to $5,000 annually (totaling $10,000 over two years) are available, with recipients required to submit an interim report after the first year. Applications are accepted until funds are depleted, with specific deadlines for notifications.

NOTE: The application opens July 1 and will be accepted until funding runs out. Applicants submitting by August 31 will be notified in mid-November and may start as early as December 1. Applicants submitting by October 31 will be notified in mid-January and may start as early as February 1.
SEMAC exists to encourage, promote, and assist regional arts development by providing leadership, outreach, advocacy, mentorship, grants, and services.
Award amount: Up to $5,000 per year (up to $10,000 total over two years)

Eligibility

Every arts organization applicant must meet ALL of the following conditions:Be located in the SEMAC RegionThe SEMAC region includes Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona Counties.Have 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.Number of Grants Per YearArts Organizations receiving Operating Support from the Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB) are eligible to receive two grants per year:One Programming and Project Support GrantOne Organizational Sustainability and Capacity Building GrantArts Organizations in rural communities with populations below 7,500 are eligible to receive four grants per year:Two Programming and Project Support Grants, or one Programming and Project Support Grant and one Rural Arts GrantOne Organizational Sustainability and Capacity Building GrantGeneral Operating SupportArts Organizations NOT in rural communities with populations below 7,500 and who do NOT receive Operating Support from MSAB are eligible to receive four grants per year:Two Programming and Project Support GrantsOne Organizational Sustainability and Capacity Building GrantGeneral Operating Support

Ineligibility

Colleges and universities are not eligible to apply.These entities cannot apply for SEMAC grants.for-profit businessesreligious organizationsorganizations intending to influence public policypublic radio or television stationsGrant 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 lawsThe 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 and grant writing)Legal fees (exception copyrights or royalties)Alcoholic beverages