Access Funds
Access Fund Offerings
A variety of Loft programming is available at a discounted rate with Access Funds, including adult classes, youth classes, Year-Long Writing Projects, and more. The Loft's Access Fund program is accepting applications on a rolling basis. Priority is given to Minnesota applicants. Once admitted, students will join a pool of participants who can request Loft offerings for discounted tuition. Students may remain in the Pool for up to 3 years before re-applying. The Loft's Access Fund program is supported by the generosity of the Friends of Loft and general supporters and through grant contributions.
Testimonial
“I want to express my gratitude for the generous Access Funds–once again Loft is playing an important role in my journey as a writer…”
What are Access Funds?
The Loft Access Fund program strives to make Loft classes and offerings accessible for as many constituents as possible and remove all barriers, including financial ones, to participate in our programming. The Loft's Access Fund program has assisted hundreds of people in joining our programs and advancing their skills as writers.
Apply for Year-Long Writing Project Access Fund Award
The Loft's Year-Long Writing Projects can help you take the next year to make your novel, memoir, nonfiction, or poetry collection the best you can make it. The Year-Long Writing Project is the only Loft offering that requires a separate Access Fund application from the Access Fund Pool. Seats are highly competitive, so learn more and apply below! There is at least one award per cohort.
Year-Long Writing Project Evaluation Criteria
We are able to offer 1 Access Funds seats in each cohort. If tuition is a barrier for you and you identify as someone from a marginalized background, we encourage you to apply.
Current Writing Project:
- Describe your current writing project. What is your writing project about and how can the Loft community help you achieve your goals? Why the Loft, why now?
Demonstrated Interest:
- What experience do you have with writing and writing workshops? How have you demonstrated a commitment to the craft, whether professionally or personally?
Application Period: October 1 - November 5, 2025
Please note: Year-Long Writing Project requires a separate Access Fund application from other Loft classes.
Desire for Community:
- What other resources or opportunities have you had (or not had) access to? Why do you seek the community a small, intensive cohort provides?
Barriers:
- What factors have impacted your ability to participate in similar programs? Do you identify as part of a historically marginalized community? Please also describe what financial factors impact your need for financial assistance.
Youth Access Funds
Access Funds reduce the cost of class tuition on a Pay As You Can model — student pays on a sliding fee schedule of 5% or 25% of the cost of tuition. There is at least one Access Fund seat in each youth class, but please give us a call or send an email to see what is available! Join the Youth Access Funds Pool to learn about discounted classes and events on a monthly basis. Please contact the Loft’s education department at 612-379-8999 or [email protected] if you have any questions regarding youth access funds.