Central MN Arts and Difference Maker Grant Rounds Open

St. Cloud, Minn. – Two grant opportunities aimed at strengthening Central Minnesota communities through creativity and compassion are now open. The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) announced the opening of its annual Central Minnesota Arts Grant and Central Minnesota Difference Maker Grant rounds, available to applicants beginning February 1, 2026.
 
“These grants invest in projects that help our communities grow and thrive,” said Tailor Doeden, Director of Community Engagement at CMCF. “It’s about supporting people where they are and building a stronger Central Minnesota together.”
 
The Central Minnesota Arts Grant is designed to support small- to medium-sized arts organizations working to make the arts more accessible to area residents. The 2026 grant round will prioritize projects that strengthen community connections through visual art, including—but not limited to—murals, sculptures, mosaics, installations, and other non-performing art forms. Funding is intended to support publicly accessible, permanent or long-lasting visual artworks that enhance shared spaces while fostering local identity, pride, and vibrancy.
 
The Central Minnesota Difference Maker Grant supports organizations working to help individuals and families maintain stable housing, with the goal of strengthening long-term housing success and reducing the risk of homelessness. This year’s grant round focuses on keeping people housed, funding programs and services that promote housing stability, equity, and sustainable outcomes.
 
Eligible applicants for both grant rounds include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, and governmental entities. The application deadline for both the Central Minnesota Arts Grant and Central Minnesota Difference Maker Grant rounds is March 31, 2026.
 
For full eligibility details and application criteria, visit www.communitygiving.org/grants.
 
The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the local community. Since 1985, CMCF has grown to $177.7 million in assets and awarded $178.6 million in grants to non-profits. The CMCF is governed by a local board of directors and is a partner of CommunityGiving, which is a network of community foundations united under a single framework to create efficiencies that maximize the impact of our donors. Collectively, CommunityGiving administers over 1,300 funds totaling over $283 million in assets. Learn more at communitygiving.org/cmcf.