2026 ACF McKnight Composer Fellowships

About this program

American Composers Forum, in partnership with the McKnight Foundation, is awarding four 2026 McKnight Composer Fellowships to Minnesota-based mid-career composers and culture bearers; each fellowship provides $25,000 unrestricted plus up to $3,500 for works-in-progress, access to a residency coordinated by the Alliance of Artist Communities, and consultation/time/resources from ACF and Springboard for the Arts. Applicants must be Minnesota-based mid-career artists or culture bearers demonstrating achievement, commitment, and high proficiency in their practice; ACF emphasizes racial equity and invites applicants from diverse musical approaches and historically excluded backgrounds. Applicants are encouraged to attend ACF information sessions on Nov. 10 and 11, and applications are stated to be due by 11:59 pm PST on Wednesday, Dec. 17—consult the ACF program page for the specified year and full application instructions.