Arts & Culture Grant Program
We seek to strengthen quality of life in the East Metro and Greater Minnesota and support a sustainable, thriving and resilient arts ecosystem.
Program Overview
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation’s Arts & Culture grant program offers multi-year general operating support to organizations, programs and initiatives that contribute to a sustainable, thriving and resilient arts ecosystem.
Grant Guidelines
Eligibility
Grants can be made to 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 nonprofits, government entities, educational institutions or organizations with a fiscal sponsor.
Organizations should have a demonstrated impact or potential for impact in the geography served.
Strengthening the Arts & Culture Ecosystem
Our Arts & Culture Grant program will consider proposals that strengthen the arts & culture sector to serve all individuals and all communities across the East Metro region.
The Foundation shares Grantmakers in the Arts’ view that all “peoples, their cultures, and their art contribute to the meaning and understanding of our humanity and should be honored and celebrated.”
Priority will be given to arts and culture organizations that seek to amplify narratives and voices across BIPOC communities and other communities experiencing marginalization (e.g., people with disabilities, low-income communities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, formerly incarcerated people, etc.) through the arts.
Please note that the Foundation has not historically supported specific productions, performances, exhibits, artist fees, etc. through this application-based process.
Geography
Through the Arts & Culture Grant Program, we are proud to serve and fund Saint Paul’s East Metro region (Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties) and Greater Minnesota. We do not fund organizations primarily serving Anoka, Carver, Hennepin or Scott counties.
Types of Grants
The Foundation will consider grant applications for:
- Grants will provide general operating support
- Grant amounts will be up to $100,000 per year for a five-year grant period, for total grant amounts up to $500,000 per grantee
- In 2026, up to $1,000,000 is available for this grant program, and we anticipate awarding approximately 10 grants
Selection Process & Timeline
Applications for our Arts & Culture Grant Program begin with a letter of inquiry and initial screening.
January
Letter of Inquiry
May
Invitation to Apply for Select Organizations
June-July
Site Visits
October-November
Decisions
November
Grants Awarded
How to Apply
Step 1: Review Grant Guidelines
Familiarize yourself with the grant eligibility, types of grants and geography for this grant program.
Step 2: Talk to the Grants Team
All interested applicants are encouraged to email a member of our Grants Team before applying to ensure that the grant program fits your needs.
Step 3: Complete the Letter of Inquiry
Applications for our Arts & Culture grant program begin with a letter of inquiry and initial screening.
Preview the interest form questions
Step 4: If Invited, Register and Apply
Grant applicants invited to complete a full application for this grant program must register for GranteeView to apply for a grant. Registration is open now.
Step 5: Stay Connected
Whether or not your organization is selected for a grant opportunity, we want to stay connected. Our Grants Team is always excited to connect with community partners.