The mission of the Minnesota State Arts Board and Minnesota's designated regional arts councils is to steward funding through the State of Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF) to support arts access, arts education, and arts and cultural heritage, aimed at creating a strong arts legacy in Minnesota.
The Essentials Support Grant, previously known as Operating Support Grants, offers financial assistance ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 to arts organizations. It follows the Minnesota State Legislature's directive to bolster three key areas through the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF): arts and arts access, arts education, and arts and cultural heritage. The funding supports a broad spectrum of activities, including making arts accessible to underserved communities, enhancing the quality of art produced, facilitating community and public integration of the arts, and supporting lifelong arts education. It also emphasizes celebrating cultural heritage and supporting diverse ethnic and cultural arts traditions within Minnesota. Eligible expenses covered by the grant range from general operating costs, professional development, and ADA compliance upgrades, to small capital expenditures essential for the organization's mission.