SEMAC: Rural Arts Grant

The SEMAC Rural Arts Grant aims to foster arts initiatives in rural communities of southeastern Minnesota with populations under 7,500. It supports diverse artistic projects including visual arts, music, and performance, encouraging local engagement and collaboration with community partners. Grants range from $3,000 to $6,000, and eligibility includes individual artists and nonprofit organizations within the SEMAC region. This initiative seeks to enhance cultural experiences and strengthen community ties through accessible arts programming.

SEMAC exists to encourage, promote, and assist regional arts development by providing leadership, outreach, advocacy, mentorship, grants, and services.
SEMAC: Rural Arts Grants
For inspiration, artists and community leaders interested in this grant program are encouraged to see these resources: Heartland, Heartwork: A Field Guide to Place and Possibility for Rural Leaders published by Springboard for the Arts and the Department of Public Transformation’s Activate Rural program

Eligibility

The lead applicant can be an individual artist or culture bearer living in the 11-county SEMAC region or a nonprofit organization in the rural community where the project is proposed to take place. Proposed projects must include a collaboration with a local community partner – a nonprofit organization, library, government department or agency, tribal entity, etc. – opportunities for active community engagement, and an accessible public event. 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.Every individual applicant must meet ALL of the following conditions:Be at least 18 years of age on the Final Submission Deadline and not currently enrolled in high school.Be a United States citizen or resident alien.Have been a full-time resident of the SEMAC region for at least six months and agree to reside in Minnesota for the duration of the proposed grant activity.No overdue final reports. Final reports that are due before a new grant deadline must be approved before applying in the new round.May not apply as an emerging artist at any time after having received funding as an advancing artistRecent Grantees must sit out one year before applying again. Unsuccessful applicants may apply again as early as the next deadline.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 SupportIndividuals are eligible to receive two grants per year:One Project Support Grant or one Rural Arts Grant, andOne Artists and Culture Bearers in the Schools Grant

Ineligibility

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 lawsAdditional restrictions for IndividualsProjects related to a class, course, or degree requirementsFees paid to Public Event venues cannot exceed 10% of the funds requested from SEMACThe 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