FY27 Loft Access Fund Pool (Adult and Youth)

The Loft's Access Fund Pool is open for programming taking place in September 2026 - August 2027.  The Loft's Access Fund model allows you to submit a single online application, which Loft staff will review within a time period of about 1 month. If accepted, you will be invited to join the Pool for a period of 3 years. The following programs are eligible for Loft Access Funds:

• Adult and youth education classes and workshops
• Year-Long Writing Project (separate application)

These opportunities are meant to reduce financial barriers to participation in Loft classes and are available to individuals who are experiencing financial hardship and to whom the cost of tuition is a barrier to participation. Once accepted to the Access Funds pool, students may request available seats in Loft classes at any time (each class has about 2 seats reserved). To ensure Adult classes are accessible for as many as possible, we ask that prospective students limit their requests to one single-session course and one multi-session course per student per term (Winter/Spring, Summer, Fall).

Loft Education staff will also email a newsletter to all Access Fund recipients highlighting available classes once every other month. After requesting a class, you will be given a promo code (applied during checkout) that will provide a 75% or 90% reduction in class fees. The Access Fund recipient is responsible for the remaining 25% or 10% cost, which will vary depending on the regular price of the class. 

The Loft is committed to equity in our programming by creating opportunities for folks who face barriers to participation in artistic career development. While Loft class Access Funds are focused on reducing financial barriers, we want to strongly encourage individuals from historically marginalized communities to apply, including, but not limited to, Black and Indigenous people and people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, as well as low income individuals.

It is not mandatory to provide proof of financial hardship, but if you would like to provide documentation**, please submit documentation that includes: 1) Your name & address 2) Public assistance program name**  3) A recent date. Then, use your mobile phone's camera, scanner, or good old snail mail to send us your documentation after, or along with your online application below.

 More questions? Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). 

**Optional documentation, if provided, should include 1) Your name & address 2) Public assistance program name**  3) A recent date. Then, use your mobile phone's camera, scanner, or good old snail mail to send us your documentation after, or along with your online application. 

Examples of Accepted Public Assistance Programs:

• TANF
• MFIP
• General Assistance
• WIC
• Medicaid,  Medical Assistance, or Minnesota Care
• SSI (Disability, Not Retirement)
• Food Stamps
• Unemployment
• Section 8 Housing
• Free or Reduced Price School Meals