Operating support grant
The Operating Support Grant Program provides up to $15,000 of unrestricted funding to arts organizations within the Arrowhead Region. This grant is intended to support core programming and general operations for the organization.
Itasca Orchestra and Strings Program
Operating Support Grant Recipient
Maximum Award: $15,000 (+$2,000 Accessible Arts Opportunity)
NEW OPPORTUNITY! This grant now features an optional Accessible Arts opportunity for up to $2,000 of additional funding. This Pilot Program is designed to improve overall organization accessibility. Combined with the Operating Support Grant, this total award could provide up to $17,000 of funding towards Operating Support & Accessible Arts.
proposed projects
Activities covered by operating support could include administrative fees, staffing fees, supplies, programming support, and other defined project costs.
Important dates
Application Opens: August 4, 2025
Deadline: September 14, 2025 before 11:59 pm
Grant Period Start Date: January 1, 2026
Grant Period End Date: December 31, 2026
Panel Review Week: October 27 - 31, 2025
Award Notification Date: Week of November 21, 2025
For any ADA accommodation requests throughout the application process, please reach out to info@aracouncil.org for support.
ELIGIBILITY
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To apply for Operating Support, an organization must meet both programmatic and structural requirements.
ARAC also offers an accessible arts opportunity, in which applicants can request additional funding for accessibility-related organizational needs, such as services, specialists, rentals, infrastructure, and more.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
The organization must be one of the following:
An arts-producing organization
An arts-presenting organization
A community arts school or conservatory
An artist service organization
In addition, the organization must:
Have operated as an arts organization for at least one full fiscal year
Be able to provide a financial statement for its most recently completed fiscal year
Have not received Operating Support from the Minnesota State Arts Board for the same fiscal year
STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS
Eligible applicants must meet one of the following structural criteria:
Be a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) arts organization with at least
80% of its budget dedicated to the arts or an arts-focused mission
Be an arts affiliate - a distinct arts-focused program operating within a Minnesota-based, public nonprofit 501(c)(3) non-arts institution
Be an unincorporated arts group or organization working with a fiscal sponsor
If the applicant is applying with a fiscal sponsor, the following are requirements:
The fiscal sponsor must have been operating for at least one full fiscal year
Fiscal sponsors based outside of Minnesota may not receive sponsor fees from grant funds
The fiscal sponsor does not itself have to be an arts organization
Note: A fiscal sponsor may apply for its own Operating Support grant and also sponsor multiple applications within a grant program, as long as each application is distinct and all funding is separately tracked and reported
INELIGIBLE STRUCTURES
For-profit businesses, including those registered as LLCs, C-Corps, or S-Corps, are not eligible, regardless of fiscal sponsorship
Organizations that receive Operating Support from the Minnesota State Arts Board for the same fiscal year or grant period
Organizations that receive direct appropriations from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment
Organizations that receive direct funding from the State of Minnesota are ineligible to apply to all ARAC Grant Programs
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Applicant must be eighteen (18) years of age or older and be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status
Applicant/Organization must be a resident of the state of Minnesota, as determined by the address used for voting and the payment of taxes
Applicants must live and/or organizations must be located in ARAC’s service region consisting of the following seven (7) counties: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis, and/or one of the following four (4) tribal nations: Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (District I)
Applicant must be a resident of ARAC’s service region for at least six (6) months prior to the deadline of this application, as well as throughout the duration of the project
Application must have arts and/or culture-bearing as the project’s primary focus
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NEW! Project and reporting must be completed before the grant period’s latest project end date
NEW! Applicants may technically apply to multiple grant programs. However, only one (1) grant may be active at a time. If you are a returning applicant and have an open grant with ARAC, you must complete all funded activities and submit a final report through the Grant Portal before you can receive new funding.
Does not apply to ARAC Operating Support grantees or first-time applicants
Reach out to info@aracouncil.org with any general questions or grants@aracouncil.org if you have a current open grant project and wish to apply
Project funds may not be used for any costs incurred before the grant period start date or after the end date
Project may not require artists to pay an unreasonable entry fee in order to sell, exhibit, perform, publish, or otherwise participate
Project may not be primarily intended to raise funds for an organization, charity, or cause, or to start or build an endowment
Applicants may not be a current member of the ARAC staff, or a member of their immediate family. (Immediate family is defined as: spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, child’s spouse, brother, brother’s spouse, sister, or sister’s spouse)
Multiple applicants may not request funding to carry out the same or separate roles or activities within the same project or event
Returning applicants must have filed satisfactory final reports through the Grant Portal for all prior ARAC-funded projects
Applicant/project must maintain complete and accurate records of all activities connected with the grant for at least 3 years following the ending of the grant period in case of an audit
Applicant may not be in violation of any past contractual agreement with ARAC, such as an overdue final report from a previous ARAC grant
Applicant must file a final report in alignment with the program requirements. Failure to report may jeopardize any future grants being received by the applicant from the MN State Arts Board (MSAB) or any other Regional Arts Councils (RACs) and may result in the applicant being required to repay grant funds, in order to reduce fraudulent grant activities
Applicant must not have failed to return grant funds to ARAC after having any ARAC grant contracts/agreements terminated or funding revoked
Applicant/project is required to abide by Acknowledgement Guidelines, giving credit to ARAC and the Funding Source online, in print, and in person whenever promoting the project
Neglecting to do this may result in the grantee having to return the funding
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Activities that take place outside the state of Minnesota
Travel/Relocation outside the state of Minnesota
To cover purchases made prior to the project’s earliest start date
Classes, workshops, or projects relating to or resulting in academic credit, tuition for academic coursework, teaching licensure, or continuing education requirements (CEUs) to retain teaching licensure, or that replace discontinued activities that were formerly supported by state funds
Creating or distributing new grants or monetary awards to others.
However, providing free access, such as non-competitive scholarships for project participation, stipends, reduced rates, or complimentary tickets, is allowed.
Expenses associated with the running of a registered for-profit business, including but not limited to LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, etc.
For rent, lease, or mortgage payments for space the applicant uses on an ongoing basis (i.e. home, studio, office space, storage, etc.)
However, it is allowable to lease or rent space that is necessary for the proposed project (e.g., for performance, production, exhibition, etc.), so long as it is not routinely occupied by the applicant.
Capital improvements or purchases of permanent equipment
Unless capital improvement is for ADA Accessibility
If applicable, there are no financial restrictions on the requested amount
Non-capital equipment requests totaling more than 50% of the total requested amount
I.e. $2,000 is the maximum allowable equipment request of a $4,000 grant program for individuals, or $2,500 is the maximum allowable equipment request of a $5,000 grant program for organizations.
Does not apply to the Operating Support Grant due to the intent of this program in order to better serve the needs of organizations
Activities for the exclusive benefit of an organization’s members
Contributions to any political party, organization, action committee, or any person who holds, or is a candidate for, elected office
Lobbying activities, and/or activities in connection with any political campaign or referendum
Activities that involve the religious socialization or proselytization of the audience or participants
For any activity that violates federal, state, or local laws, ordinances, or policies
This is not a complete list. If you have any questions on eligibility, requirements, and restricted use of funds, please contact info@aracouncil.org.
GenEral Requirements for all grants
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Grant proposals should not create barriers to or prevent participation for individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex. Individuals and organizations receiving.
ARAC funding will not discriminate:
On the grounds of race, color, or national origin (including limited English proficiency), in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
On the grounds of disability, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (ADA).
On the basis of age, in accordance with the Age Discrimination Act of 1975.
On the basis of sex, in any education program or activity, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
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If awarded, grantees must acknowledge ARAC and provide credit towards the funding source of the Grant Award. This includes but is not limited to online, in-print, and in-person whenever promoting the project. Neglecting to do so could result in the return of grant funds.
Refer to and abide by ARAC Acknowledgment Guidelines for more on the language and logos to use and reach out to info@aracouncil.org with any questions.here
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In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, all grant-funded activities must be made accessible to provide equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities to participate.
This includes all grant award activities but is not limited to activities such as public performances, workshops, or other arts learning opportunities, publications, websites, and other multimedia projects.
All award recipients are legally required to provide reasonable and necessary accommodations for people with disabilities. Be mindful that audiences, visitors, artists, performers, teaching artists, students, staff, and volunteers all include individuals with disabilities.
Accessibility Reference Resources
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If awarded and a significant project change arises, grantees must seek permission in writing from ARAC before making any alterations to the proposed activity.
Changes could include, but are not limited to, vendor/partner updates, reporting extension requests, and other unforeseen circumstances resulting in a change in the scope of work originally proposed
Please submit change requests through this form: https://forms.gle/VsmbMVWw1iByviaE9
accessible arts opportunity (new!)
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Because people with disabilities often face significant barriers to participating in the arts as creators, audience members, and community members, we are introducing an additional opportunity for funding. Within the Operating Support Grant application, organizations may apply for an additional Accessible Arts Grant Award of up to $2,000 to support accessibility improvements that create a meaningful impact. This Pilot Program initiative is designed to help arts organizations expand their capacity to provide accessible and inclusive experiences.
Combined with the Operating Support Grant of $15,000, total funding per organization may reach up to $17,000.
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The intent of this program is to address critical accessibility needs, either internally within the organization (i.e., professional development, building modifications related to access, accessibility training, accessibility action plan) or externally (i.e., public-facing infrastructure, technology, etc.), as it relates to ensuring all patrons have access to programming,and that qualified individuals have access to employment at arts organizations.
Capital improvements, accessibility upgrades, and other long-term investments to make a lasting impact for the organization and the patrons it serves are possible with this funding, as well as equipment investments to ensure more accessible programming.
Possible eligible resources could include, but are not limited to:
Professional accessibility training; disability culture training, and development of accessibility plans
Hiring an accessibility consultant to conduct an accessibility audit
Ramp rental for temporary use or ramp purchase for permanent use
Stage Lift purchase, stair lift, either portable or permanent
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, live closed captioning, tactile signing, or real-time audio describers
Assisted listening or captioning equipment
Installation or repair of handrails, grab bars, or electric door openers, bathroom, stage, performance space, workshop space, or green room access renovations
Wayfinding signs, including braille
Digital accessibility improvements: website and ticketing access audit and redesign, social media and advertising access training
Other expenses associated with providing an accessible artistic experience
APPLICATION PROCESS
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All applications will be made available on our website on the application open date and must be submitted via our secure online grants management system, Foundant.
If you don’t have access to a computer, you may arrange a time to use a computer at the ARAC offices or your local library.
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ARAC Staff is available to assist applicants up to 10 business days before the application deadline.
For technical support, contact info@aracouncil.org.
For project proposal support, please submit a request here to connect with a Grant Advisor
Applications are only able to be reviewed by staff prior to submission. If requesting grant application review, please keep your application in draft mode for staff review
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Applications close at 11:59 p.m. on the due date.
Submissions after the deadline will not be accepted.
Exceptions will only be made in very specific, rare circumstances. Any exception requests must be made in writing to grants@aracouncil.org as soon as possible after the application deadline for consideration
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After the application deadline, applications will go into a 2-3 week Eligibility Review by ARAC Staff
During this time, applicants may receive emails from staff regarding technical issues, incomplete information, or eligibility-related questions.
After passing Eligibility Review, applications will move forward to Panel Review in order to provide recommendations to the ARAC Board of Directors for final approval
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Reviewers will have up to two weeks to review applications prior to Panel Review Sessions for final remarks and scoring.
Panelists use the following published Criteria to evaluate applications:
Artistic Excellence + Merit
High-quality activities and services that achieve the organization's artistic vision consistent with the organization's mission and goals.
Ways in which the organization's activities enable the art form to develop.
Opportunities for regional artists to be involved, supported, and developed.
Activities that contribute to the artistic growth of their constituents.
Qualifications and achievements of the individuals responsible for the artistic and administrative leadership of the organization.
The role the organization and its leaders play as advocates for the arts as a vital part of economic development in their community.
Community Accessibility + Impact
Services and programs that are approachable and available to a broad public audience.
Evidence of efforts to address economic, geographic, physical, or cultural barriers; cultural diversity; and appropriate adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Programming offerings that provide a public benefit to Minnesota.
Organizational Leadership and Capacity
The organization's capacity to effectively manage its operations and resources as reflected by organizational stability.
Appropriate board compensation, staff qualifications, and clearly articulated roles and responsibilities.
Appropriate planning strategies to establish and achieve the applicant's mission and goals.
Evidence of a board commitment to fiscal stability in the region's current economy.
Evidence that the organization is utilizing its available resources to generate earned income and contributed income, and is implementing strategies and activities appropriate for the organization's size and community served.
Assessment and Evaluation
Evidence that the applicant uses assessment, evaluation, and feedback to strengthen its programs and operations as well as measure the organization's progress and effectiveness.
The degree to which assessment and evaluation are being used to shape the organization's planning process, goals, strategies, and programming.
Evidence of a planning process that includes viewpoints of artists, participants, and the community.
Evaluation and assessment looks both internally at operations and externally at community needs.
Applicants that demonstrate an ability to meet these criteria will be evaluated using a weighted scoring matrix to ensure equitable distribution of geographic and demographic diversity, ability to reach underserved arts audiences, and diversity of arts disciplines.
To increase the demographic and geographic equality of fund distribution, the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council has identified priority groups for its grant programs. The intent is to help ensure that applicants from these communities have more equitable access to public funding. Grant funds will be allocated based on reviewers’ scores and the additional priority points to create a final weighted score.
FY26 Priority Points
First Time Applicant
BIPOC
LGBTQAI+
People with Disabilities
U.S. Military Veterans
Age 65+
Applicants from a County or Town that has received less than 2 ARAC Grants in the last Fiscal Year
The ARAC Grant Review Panels consist of artists, industry professionals, and other art aficionados from the Arrowhead Region. After reviewing assigned applications, small groups convene at Panel Review sessions to further discuss and score eligible applications based on the grant program criteria. The final results are then tabulated by ARAC Staff, with the top-scoring proposals moving forward for recommendation to our Board of Directors for review and final approval at the next Quarterly Board Meeting.
If you would like to attend your review panel meeting, please reach out to info@aracouncil.org within 2 weeks of the application deadline.
In lieu of attending, you can always reach out to ARAC Staff for feedback on your application and/or notes from the Review Panel for reference by requesting Grant Advisement here.
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After final Panel recommendations are reviewed and approved by the ARAC Board of Directors at their quarterly board meeting, all eligible applicants will receive an Award Approval or Denial Notice via email within a week of the board meeting decision date.
To officially accept the award, grantees will be issued required follow-up form(s) within their Grant Portal to complete promptly before payment can be issued. Once complete, the grant award payment will be issued in the full amount requested.
After accepting, awardees can expect payment the month prior to the grant period start date.
Failure to respond or accept the award within the acceptance period could result in the loss of funding.
Please monitor your email for official correspondence throughout the application period.
ARAC will publicly announce the awarded grantees within the month following the quarterly board meeting, ideally prior to the grant period start date. Please join us in celebrating the announcement at this time. Follow along @aracouncil on social or sign up for our newsletter to learn more about all things art in our community!
Qualified applicants should apply regardless of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status, pregnancy, use of a support animal, educational background, or status as a qualified individual with a disability or protected veteran. Individuals who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, people with disabilities, people age 65 and older, military veterans, and/or individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2+) are encouraged to apply.
ARAC’s FUNDING SOURCE
Arrowhead Regional Arts Council grants are made possible in part through appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State General Fund and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund of the Legacy Amendment, as well as generous support from the McKnight Foundation.
In 2008, Minnesota voters passed a constitutional amendment creating a new 3/8-cent sales tax to support outdoor heritage, clean waters, sustainable drinking water, parks and trails, arts, history, and cultural heritage projects and activities. This amendment is called the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. Of the total proceeds from the sales tax, 19.75% are dedicated to the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF). Proceeds are intended for “arts, arts education, arts access, and to preserve Minnesota’s history and cultural heritage.” A large amount of that funding has been allocated to the Minnesota State Arts Board and 11 regional arts councils across the state, including the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council.
ACHF programming must be rooted in principles that guarantee the greatest positive impact with as many Minnesotans as possible and lead to the kind of social, cultural, and economic development outlined in this vision. These principles are intended to inform decisions made by the Legislature regarding the disbursement of the overall fund. Funding decisions, both at the appropriations level as well as at the grant-making level, will respect the constitutional requirement that ACHF funds not be a substitute for traditional sources of funding, including public operating and capital funds, both state and local. You can find more information on ACHF’s 25-Year plan here.
ART ADVOCACY
To advocate for the arts and this critical funding, consider becoming a member of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts or joining ARAC annually at Arts Advocacy Day in St.Paul! Organized in 1974, MCA is the oldest continuously operating statewide arts advocacy organization in the country.
As one of the nation’s leading advocacy groups for the arts, MCA has been organizing the creative community for decades to protect and defend this essential State funding for the arts. Thanks to their work alongside arts advocates at the State Capitol, critical funding remains secure for Minnesotans to have access to and involvement in the arts. Learn more about their mission here.