Northwest Minnesota schools can seek up to $12,000 in arts grants

Schools in seven northwest Minnesota counties can apply for grants from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council to bring artists into classrooms or buy arts equipment. Eligible schools may seek up to $12,000 for the school year and summer of 2027.

The program covers Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau counties. Funding can support arts activities for students, while equipment purchases must serve both the school and the community and be stored or used primarily in the school building, according to the council.

What the grants cover

Schools can request up to $3,000 for an artist residency. A school may initially apply for two residencies and, depending on how much funding remains, ask for as many as four. Each residency requires a 10% cash match.

The council maintains a roster of artists available to work in the region. Schools may also use COMPAS, a Minnesota nonprofit that connects people with arts education and creative programs. Its roster includes more than 130 professional artists, such as visual artists, musicians, poets and theater makers.

Equipment grants of up to $3,000 are available for visual arts, performing arts, media arts and creative writing departments. They require a 25% cash match, and schools can receive only one equipment grant per fiscal year. The council says equipment used by both the community and school solely for arts, such as auditorium lights, has a better chance of receiving funding.

How to apply

School personnel must first complete an application indicating interest in funding, then submit specific requests through add-on forms in the council’s online grant software. Each add-on request can seek up to $3,000. The council accepts requests through April 30 each year, but distributes grants on a first-come, first-served basis and advises schools to apply early.

The council offers tutorials for applicants who need help with the forms. Schools can call its office at 218-745-8886, extension 1, or email nwartscouncil@gmail.com for assistance.

This report draws on information from Grand Forks Herald.