Educational Grant

Educational Grant is sponsored by Irish Arts Minnesota. Irish Arts Minnesota offers merit-based educational grants to help students of any age pursue their interest in the traditional arts of Ireland, including music, dance, visual arts, language, or storytelling.

Educational Grant Program - Irish Arts Minnesota Skip to primary navigation Educational Grant Program Irish Arts Minnesota (IAM) is a 501(c) (3) charitable non-profit cultural and educational organization, EIN 36-3300857. Irish Arts Minnesota was established to support, coordinate, encourage and promote high-quality activities and programs in Irish music, dance, and other cultural traditions.

We hope to foster greater awareness, understanding, appreciation of, and participation in the traditional arts of Ireland and related cultural traditions. Purpose of the Grant Program To encourage study in the traditional arts of Ireland, including music, dance, Irish language, and other cultural topics as identified by the applicant and conforming to the charitable purpose of the Irish Music and Dance Association.

We hope that recipients of IAM Educational Grants will continue their study and, in so doing, enhance the cultural life of our community. Irish Arts Minnesota considers the program an investment in the future. Individuals and groups may apply for a grant from Irish Arts Minnesota to pursue an interest in any of the traditional arts of Ireland.

Grants may be used for fees, travel expenses, equipment purchase or other purpose which supports the applicant’s goal. Applicants for grants associated with the performing arts (music, dance, theatre, storytelling, etc.) will be asked to contribute their new skills by performing at the IAM’s St. Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration or similar event.

Applicants in other areas will be asked to demonstrate their new skills in a way appropriate for their field of study (e.g. display, demonstration, report). Grants typically range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the nature of the request. IAM may choose to fully fund a grant request, or we may choose to provide a portion of the expense.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated a commitment over time to developing mastery in their field of study, a willingness to help or teach others, and a generosity in sharing their skills in performance in a range of settings (if applicable). A strong sense of community, demonstrated by volunteer involvement, is highly desirable.

Music: Applicants are asked to submit a recommendation from a music teacher or skilled performer familiar with their work. Dance: Applicants are asked to submit a recommendation from a dance teacher, Irish community elder, or skilled performer familiar with their work. Theatre/Storytelling: Applicants are asked to submit a recommendation from a director, instructor, Irish community elder, or skilled performer familiar with their work.

Other Pursuits: Applicants are encouraged to provide the unique nature of the proposed area of study, its roots in Irish tradition, the scarcity of this study in the Twin Cities, etc. Applicants are asked to submit a recommendation from a recognized expert familiar with their work. Applicants should complete an application and submit it along with a letter of recommendation by April 15.

Applications will be reviewed, and selections made by June 1. Funds will be available by July 1st. Grant recipients must commit to spending their grant by the end of the following year, and to providing documentation of their expenses to Irish Arts Minnesota by Jan.

31st of the following year. Deadline for applications for 2026 is April 15, 2026. At the completion, recipients will be asked to perform at the IAM’s St.

Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration or another IAM event (if appropriate) or present their learning experience in another form as appropriate to their area of study. For additional information, please contact Jan Casey at [email protected] or 651-276-0222 . Apply for the Educational Grant Program Note: form cannot be submitted without attaching a letter of recommendation.

State / Province / Region Area of Interest and Course of Study * Please tell us about yourself. * In no more than two pages, please tell us about yourself and your request. Some things we’d like to know… How did you become interested in your area of study?

How long have you been pursuing this interest? Have you shared your interest with the community? In what way?

Have you been involved in the community as a volunteer for an Irish organization? Tell us about it. How will your grant be used?

What do you hope to gain from the experience? If you are asking for a portion of the costs, let us know how you plan to fund the remainder. (Please be as specific as possible.

Give the evaluation committee a clear picture of how you will use the funds and how it will make a difference in your study.) Please submit a letter of recommendation * Applicants should submit a letter of recommendation from a recognized expert in their field of study (teacher, skilled performer, Irish community elder).

The letter of recommendation should focus on the applicant’s background, experience and commitment, and their potential to contribute to the Irish community if the applicant receives the grant. Information about the applicant’s community involvement is also important. Provide a detailed description of the class or workshop you would like to attend or the experience you would like to pursue.

IAM may choose to fully fund a grant request, or we may choose to provide a portion of the expense. * Give at any level and become a member of Irish Arts Minnesota. Your membership helps support grants and educational opportunities for artists, musicians, and dancers pursuing the traditional arts of Ireland.