The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Regional Minigrant Program

The Saginaw Arts and Enrichment Commission (SAEC) is the region five administrator for the Regional Minigrant Program of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA). Funding is available for arts projects, professional development, school art supplies and field trips in the counties of Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland and Saginaw.

Grants for Arts Organizations

Arts Projects: Minigrants provide up to $4,000 for locally developed, high quality arts projects, which provide special opportunities to address local arts needs and increase public access to the arts. Minigrants support a broad range of artistic expression from all cultures through projects which preserve, produce and present traditional and contemporary arts. Minigrant dollars, matched by cash or in-kind services, can be used for many types of arts activities such as exhibits, readings, performances, workshops, broadcasts, artist residencies, consultancies, commissions, restorations, festivals, pow wows, conferences, seminars, video and film productions and screenings, publications, and arts activities for students.

Grants for Arts Organizations and Artists

Organizational Development: Supports arts organizations in the strengthening of their administrative infrastructure by providing up to $1,500 to assist with the development of a business/strategic plan to address governance, board development, financial systems, reporting and internal controls, public relations, marketing, personnel management, fundraising, program development and/or other organizational areas.

Professional Development: Supports arts administrators, arts professionals and teaching artists in the participation of high-quality professional development experiences that will enhance their career, to help them grow and thrive in Michigan. Funds may be used for travel and/or registration expenses for workshops, seminars, booking and other conferences which will clearly help in advancing career development. Funding level is a maximum of $1,500.

MCACA Minigrant Deadline for Arts Organizations and Artists

For fiscal year 2021
For projects October 1, 2020 through September 31, 2021
Application Deadline August 3, 2020

Any nonprofit organization or government body including service organizations, Michigan accredited K-12 schools, cities, townships and etc. from the eight counties may apply. Applications are completed online at www.mcaca.smartsimple.com and are evaluated by a panel which looks for projects that demonstrate artistic merit, sound planning and management, and community service. Geographic distribution, underserved populations, cultural diversity, and a variety of arts disciplines are considered when determining awards.

Grants for K-12 Schools

Arts Equipment & Supplies: Michigan accredited K-12 schools can apply for up to $1,500 to pay for arts equipment (including repairs of arts equipment) or supplies being used within the classroom/school setting. K-12 teachers in any arts discipline may apply for the grant, including: creative writing, dance, film/video, music, visual arts, and theatre. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis, the same school may not receive this grant in two consecutive years.

Bus Grants: Michigan accredited K-12 schools can apply for up to $500 for transportation costs of an arts or culture related field trip. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis and cannot be used for travel expenses related to student competitions and/or performances.

MCACA Minigrant Deadline for Art Supplies and Bus Grants

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis online at www.mcaca.smartsimple.com through April 16, 2021 or until the allocation of funds has been expended.

MCACA Minigrant Downloads

For information, contact:
Saginaw Arts & Enrichment Commission
120 Ezra Rust Drive
Saginaw, MI 48601
989.759.1363, ext. 223
mbraun.saec@yahoo.com