Access to public funding resources is important to the development of the region. Many of our communities lack time and staff to research ideas apply for public grants and loans to help finance their projects. Plus, funding sources and their programs frequently change. As your liaison to state and federal agencies, UMVRDC has direct, ongoing contact with a variety of funding sources to help you:
- Assess your project’s needs and help organize goals and objectives
- Target the most appropriate sources of funding
- Prepare and submit loan and grant application proposals
Below are some resources & opportunities that you might find useful. Please pass on this information to others you know!
FUNDING FOR THE ARTS
The Southwest Minnesota Arts and Humanities Council (SMAHC) Arts Organization Development grant program provides funds to nonprofit arts organizations in southwest Minnesota for organizational development, management projects or equipment & facilities improvement projects. Learn more about this funding opportunity at this free workshop led by SMAHC:
Monday, January 16 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Worthington High School Media Room – 1211 Clary Street, Worthington, MN
The workshop is free of charge, but please contact SMAHC to register. Call (800) 622-5284 or email: smahcinfo@iw.net
Some basics about the grant program:
- Arts Organization Development grants are available for up to $5,000 or 75% of the total project cash costs, whichever is less.
- Startup Organization Planning projects are available for up to $2,000 with no cash match requirement for newly formed arts organizations to develop articles of incorporation, by-laws and apply for their 501(c)(3) non profit status.
- Grants for equipment and facilities improvement projects are available up to $15,000 with a 35% cash match required for organizations that can identify how the grant will enable the organization to leave a legacy.
- GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 1, 2012.
FUNDING FOR PARKS & TRAILS
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces grant funding opportunities for park and trail projects across Minnesota. Millions of dollars in state and federal funding will be available in 2012 for building trails, acquiring park land, installing fishing piers and otherwise expanding outdoor recreation opportunities in Minnesota.
Applications are now being accepted for the following grant programs:
- outdoor recreation
- natural and scenic areas
local trail connections - federal recreational trails
- regional trails
- public boat accesses
- clean vessel
- boating infrastructure
- fishing pier and shore fishing areas.
Details about the Parks and Trails Legacy grants and Regional Parks grants will be available later this year with an application deadline for these programs in the fall.
These grants help local governments, organizations and individuals throughout the state create partnerships with the DNR to fund projects ranging from natural area acquisition to trail connections to water-based recreational facilities. Eligibility requirements, deadlines and other details are available in the attached listing of the Division of Parks and Trails grant programs or can be found on the DNR website at mndnr.gov (click on “Grants”) or in this PDF document available here.
Looking for more information on available funding, or grant writing assistance? The UMVRDC can help! For more information:
– The Arts: Kristi Fernholz, 320-289-1981 ext. 6
– Parks & Trails: Lindsey Knutson, 320-289-1981 ext. 7
– General grant writing info: Jacki Anderson, 320-289-1981 ext. 2
