We’re looking for big ideas to energize Lake Street! Through Lake Street Lift, the Graves Foundation and the Lake Street Council want to make this corridor the arts and events epicenter of Minneapolis in 2025. To get there we want to partner with you—local creatives and the wider arts community—to create unforgettable experiences and events.  

Arts and Places: Big Ideas! 

This funding will support organizations, collectives, businesses, or individuals with big ideas for Lake Street that bring visitors, customers, and residents to the corridor.

These experiences can be anything from cultural festivals or art installations to food tours or digital projections. We are open to all ideas but a few requirements and restrictions apply. 

Requirements: 

• Projects must occur within the Lake Street corridor between Nicollet Ave and 30th Ave South. The corridor extends north to the Midtown Greenway and south to 31st Street. Projects should attempt to have a direct impact on Lake Street if possible.

• Limited funding for Big Ideas! is available for projects that occur inside - the majority of this funding is for activities and installations outside in public or private spaces, including but not limited to vacant spaces. If you are looking for event sponsorship for inside events, please apply here. 

• Applicants are not required to have secured space for their projects. If selected, applicants will work with the Graves Foundation and the Lake Street Council to determine when and where projects take place collectively, as necessary. 

• Projects must be completed by June 30, 2024. No exceptions. 

Deadlines:

December 20, 2024.  If funding allows, an additional round of submissions will open in early 2025. 

If your application was not selected to move forward after the first deadline, you will be given feedback and may apply again, if funding allows.

Funding:

Funding will be between $10-$75,000. We are looking to fund 10-15 projects with an average support of $25,000. 

Review Process:

All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of committee members. These members will have a strong connection to the Lake Street corridor and will include but not be limited to individuals from The Graves Foundation and the Lake Street Council who are jointly administering this program. 

As this funding is dependent on many external factors, this is an idea submission application only. As a part of our review process, you will very likely be required to provide additional information before being selected. 

Submission would be scored using the following rubric:  

• A strong connection to Lake Street

• Positive impact on businesses and community

• Repeated activities that provide an ongoing positive presence

• Feasibility and impact

• Individual/team experience

• Ability to complete the project within the required timeframe

• Ability to complete the project within the geographical boundaries