Metropolitan Regional Arts Council improves arts access for Twin Cities metro communities through grants, resources, and advocacy for artists and organizations.
Flexible Support
The Flexible Support grant helps organizations/groups create and sustain Minnesotans’ access to the arts though funding for operations and/or organizational capacity, certain equipment purchases/facilities improvements (with restrictions), and/or arts programming.
All eligible groups may request up to $25,000. Additionally, a portion of funds for this grant will be set aside for organizations/groups whose leadership team includes a majority of individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or a person of color (BIPOC); and/or a person with a disability; and/or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+); and all organizations/groups from Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Scott, and Washington counties.
Organizations/groups may submit only one application.
Contacts
Email: flexiblesupport@mrac.org
Program Director: Pablo Siqueiros
Important Dates
- Application deadline: August 7, 2026 at 11:59 pm for Round 1
- Application evaluation by reviewers: September to November 2026
- MRAC Board of Directors review funding recommendations: November 2026
- Staff send out grant notifications via email to applicants: December 1, 2026
Emergency Relief Fund
The Emergency Relief Fund provides $500 for short-term, rapid relief to artists facing unexpected lost income or expenses due to personal/professional emergencies or natural disasters.
Grant awards will be randomly selected for funding within seven (7) days of each round deadline. A portion of funds for this grant will be set aside for artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or a person of color (BIPOC); and/or a person with a disability; and/or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+); and individuals from Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Scott, and Washington counties regardless of identity.
Contacts
Email: emergencyrelief@mrac.org
Program Director: Ryan Werdon
Emergency Relief Fund important dates:
- Round 10: July 13–August 14, 2026
- Round 11: August 17–September 11, 2026
- Round 12: September 14–October 9
- Round 13: October 12–November 13
- Round 14: November 16–December 11
Program Overview
Visit the Emergency Relief Fund website to view and download program overview. We encourage you to connect with MRAC staff for help navigating the process.