Grant Writing Support
SEMAC encourages applicants to seek help writing and reviewing their grant applications.
Desmond Anabrang, SEMAC’s Grant Programs Manager, leading attendees during an In-Person Grant Workshop in Caledonia, MN, June 2026. Photo by Jacqueline VanRavenhorst.
Here are some ways we can help:
In-Person Grant Workshops
These in-person workshops for artists and culture bearers provide participants with an overview of SEMAC’s grant programs and services, information about other resources for financial and career development support, and an opportunity to gather with other creatives from your community. If your community would like to host a grant workshop, please contact Sharon Mansur, Outreach and Accessibility Manager, sharon@semac.org or 507.322.1088, 711 TTY.
Grant Writing Tips
SEMAC’s General Application Instructions page is a great place to start to learn helpful advice for writing SEMAC grants.
SEMAC Grant Writing Assistance
Step-by-Step Videos
These free pre-recorded videos take you through the process of applying for a grant from SEMAC. Starting with a general overview of the grant opportunity, including eligibility requirements and other restrictions, the videos go through each step to complete an application and offer helpful tips along the way. This is a great resource if you are new to grant writing or looking for insights to submit a successful grant application. These videos can be found on the Grant Programs page and on SEMAC’s YouTube channel.
Applicant Journey Guides
Each grant comes with its own requirements and application steps. The Applicant Journey is a companion guide to the application process. Each grant has its own guide that has been designed to aid in the application for its specific grant. The Applicant Journey is available in full color and in printer friendly black and white. Find the Applicant Journey for your application on the Grant Programs page.
Virtual Q & A Sessions
If you still have questions about a grant application after watching the Step-by-Step Video and reading the Applicant Journey, log into a virtual Q & A Session with SEMAC staff. These informal drop-in opportunities are scheduled throughout the application period for every grant opportunity, and can be found under each grant on the Grant Programs page.
Language Services
We are dedicated to making the arts accessible to all residents of Southeastern Minnesota. We are proud to partner with the Hispanic Outreach of Goodhue County, the Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association (IMAA), and Project FINE to offer free translation, interpretation, and grant writing assistance for artists and culture bearers in Hmong, Somali, and Spanish for Non-English speakers or people with limited English. For more information, go to Language Services – Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council.
Staff Assistance
SEMAC staff are available to answer any questions you may have about a grant application. Call 507.281.4848 or email Desmond Anabrang, SEMAC Grant Programs Manager, at desmond@semac.org with questions or to set up a meeting virtually or in person. We are also available to help review grant applications up to one week prior to a grant deadline, by request.
More Grant Writing Support Resources
Artist Bio
Diane Scott, director of Mid-America Arts Alliance’s artist services division and author of Artist Entrepreneurship for Life: Making Art Work for You, shares tips, templates, and examples to help you turn your resume or CV into a compelling artist bio.
Artist Career Consultations
Artist Career Consultants offer one-on-one professional support for artists, creative entrepreneurs, and creative small business owners. These sessions* are an excellent way to get personalized career development support.
*Minnesota-based artists can start with one free 1-hour consultation.
Artist Resume
Whether you are applying for gallery representation, a grant, or a museum exhibition, or want to grow your art business, a well-crafted artist resume is essential to presenting your work and experience in the best light.
Artist Statement
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Learn more about artist statements, a piece of writing that helps the audience access or understand your artistic work.
Artist Work Samples
New York Foundation for the Arts
Nailing the Application: Start Strong with Quality Work Samples
This article discusses how to approach work sample submissions so that they best tell your story, and includes behind-the-scenes insights into what jurors are looking for when reviewing your materials.
Creating a Budget
In this article, Counterpart walks you through how to create a budget – whether it be for your next project or a grant proposal.
Evaluation
Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB)
Building Evaluation Capacity for the Arts Webinar Series 2025
This Building Evaluation Capacity for the Arts series provides the opportunity for individuals and organizations to build the skills to evaluate arts programs and community impact.
MSAB Arts Evaluation Toolkit 2024
Evaluation can help you communicate impact, but it also can inform internal decision-making to improve your arts programs. This evaluation toolkit has been developed to support individuals who are new to evaluation with tools to help plan, implement, and communicate evaluation results.
Grant Writing Tips
Arts Midwest
7 Tips to Level Up Your Grant Writing Game
This article shares seven tips to improve your skills at grant writing, and increase the likelihood that your proposal will be accepted. This resource includes successful Arts Midwest grant application examples.
A Grant Writing Guide for Artists Who’d Rather Be Making
This starter guide explains where to find artist grants, how to craft clear and compelling applications, and how to manage the next steps.
Writing for Impact: Artist Grants that Speak to Reviewers
In this webinar, Anitra Budd demystifies grant writing and shows artists how to shape applications that speak to reviewers. You’ll get practical writing tools and insider insights so you can submit proposals with more confidence and less second-guessing.
Guide to Grant Applications
Counterpart
The Field Guide to Grant Applications
This helpful guide breaks down the common elements of a grant proposal, making it approachable for first time grant writers when considering their application.
Applying for a grant, residency, or other opportunity? Browse Counterpart’s collection of articles, how-to-guides, and templates and be sure your grant application stands out.