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Emergency Relief Fund

SEMAC’s Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) is designed for rapid, short-term assistance for individual artists and culture bearers facing unexpected hardship (loss of income, unexpected expenses, crisis situations, etc.) The funds are distributed as one-time gifts to help stabilize recipients and address urgent needs, offering some relief during a difficult time so they can continue their creative work. The application is simple and no reporting is required. This is not a merit-based grant program. Recipients will be chosen through a random selection process. Through this program, SEMAC will make gifts of $500 each to 60 creatives living in the 11-county region, 20 per selection round.

SEMAC’s ERF is meant to be as inclusive as possible and is open to visual artists, dance artists, theatre artists, performers, writers, music creators, filmmakers, culture bearers, makers, artisans, storytellers, artistic social conveners, idea purveyors, imaginaries, visionaries, arts educators, crafters, cultural workers, socially engaged artists, or anyone with an intentional creative practice.

SEMAC and Minnesota’s other regional arts councils form the Artists Emergency Relief Fund Network, which is stewarded by Springboard for the Arts and supported in part by the F.R. Bigelow Foundation, the Jerome Foundation, the McKnight Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.

2026 Timeline

  • April 21 – Application opens (accepted on an ongoing basis)
  • May 19 – Submission deadline for selection round 1
  • May 29 – Applicants notified of round 1 results and confirmation forms sent*
  • July 7 – Submission deadline for selection round 2
  • July 17 – Applicants notified of round 2 results and confirmation forms sent*
  • September 15 – Submission deadline for selection round 3
  • September 24 – Applicants notified of round 3 results and confirmation forms sent*

*A check will be mailed or available to pick up at the SEMAC office within 3 – 4 days after selected applicants submit the confirmation form.

Selection Process

  • Applications are first reviewed by staff for eligibility and completeness.
  • A portion of funds will be set aside for artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, Multi-racial, Person of Color (BIMPOC); and/or a Person with Disabilities (PWD); and/or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexual, or Asexual (LGBTQIA+); and/or Veterans.
  • Final awards for each round will be randomly selected such that the distribution of gifts corresponds with the percentages by county of the overall pool.
  • Applications that are not selected will remain in the pool until:
    • they are funded, or
    • program funds are exhausted.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicant must be 18 years old or older and not be a high school student.
  • Applicant must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
  • Applicant must have resided for at least six (6) consecutive months in SEMAC’s service region, including the 11 southeast Minnesota counties and the Prairie Island Indian Community.
  • The emergency must have occurred within the past six (6) months from the date the application was submitted.
  • Applicants must be individuals who can demonstrate a history of an ongoing creative or cultural practice.

Eligible Emergency Types

SEMAC’s ERF is designed to help creatives who are facing emergencies that create sudden financial strain or loss of stability, such as:

  • Loss of equipment, supplies, or personal property due to fire, theft, or natural disaster
  • Unexpected health issues and medical bills
  • Increased cost of life-sustaining prescriptions
  • Housing insecurity
  • Food and basic daily needs insecurity
  • Legal issues or legal services
  • Loss of income due to
    • A loved one’s death
    • Transition of a loved one to assisted housing
    • Unexpectedly becoming a caregiver
    • Cancellation of art fairs, festivals, gigs, or other paid events
    • ICE action in SE Minnesota region
    • Quarantine or public health emergencies
    • Canceled gigs or paid events
  • Unexpected loss of transportation
  • Loss of child care
  • Safety concerns

Applicants are not required to submit proof of the emergency. If you have any questions, contact staff@semac.org.

Privacy

  • No public announcement of award recipients will be made.
  • Applicant information will be treated as confidential.

Need Help?

A video recording that goes through the application step-by-step and a comprehensive pdf “Applicant Journey” will be available soon. Call or e-mail Desmond Anabrang, Grant Programs Manager, with questions at staff@semac.org or 507.281.4848.

Register for Recording

SEMAC staff will hold two virtual Q&A sessions, on Friday, May 8, from 2 – 3 p.m. and Tuesday, May 12, from 6 – 7 p.m.

Register: May 8
Register: May 12