State of Minnesota Funding

KAXE’s state funding supports local programming in arts, culture, and the environment, connecting Northern Minnesota communities through storytelling and shared experiences.

legacy.mn.gov

Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund

In 2008, Minnesota voters approved the Arts and Cultural Heritage Amendment, creating dedicated funding to support clean water, the environment and natural resources, outdoor heritage, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage. Since then, public media organizations—including AMPERS, Minnesota Public Radio, and the Minnesota Public Television Association—have received critical support through this funding.

AMPERS secures and distributes this funding on behalf of Minnesota’s 17 independent, non-MPR public radio stations, including KAXE and KBXE. This investment brings stories to life. The programs, features, and documentaries made possible by this funding are showcased here, offering hundreds of hours of rich, local content, including programs like What We’re Reading, Ham Radio, The Setlist, Brightspot, and MN Mixtape. Past projects include The Great Northern Radio Show, Live at the Chief Theater, and more.

AMPERS programming is supported by Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (the Legacy Fund). Below is an overview of current projects supported by Legacy funding:

Area Voices – Arts and culture interviews featured in public affairs programming, paired with a newsletter and event calendar to connect audiences with regional creative activity.
Brightspot – A recurring KBXE feature sharing positive, community-driven stories that highlight local creativity, traditions, and cultural contributors across northern Minnesota.
Events Up North – Coverage of local events and activities that keeps communities connected and celebrates the culture and traditions of northern Minnesota.
Ham Radio – A food-focused program hosted by Amy Thielen exploring regional cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and cultural food traditions with listener participation.
Live Music Events – Free concerts that bring accessible live music experiences to communities across northern Minnesota.
MN Placemaking – A project fostering vibrant rural music and cultural experiences through storytelling, partnerships, and community engagement, including youth listening sessions.
Minnesota Mixtape – A weekly one-hour program featuring Minnesota musicians, with artist interviews and expanded on-air and digital music content.
Stay Human Storytelling Events – A storytelling program centered on northern Minnesota voices, including essays and live, inclusive community events.
What We’re Reading – A book-focused segment highlighting Minnesota authors, reviews, literary news, and community discussions across radio and digital platforms.

To learn more about Arts & Cultural Heritage programs, contact Sarah Bignall at grants@kaxe.org.

Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) was established in 1963 to guide the use of state funds for the protection and enhancement of Minnesota’s environment and natural resources. In 1988, Minnesota voters created the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, supported by Minnesota State Lottery proceeds, to provide long-term funding for projects that benefit the state’s air, water, land, fish, and wildlife. Through a competitive, science-based process, LCCMR recommends projects to the Minnesota Legislature that advance research, education, and public engagement.

KAXE has partnered in this work by using LCCMR funding to connect listeners with the natural world of northern Minnesota. Through projects like Engaging Minnesotans with Phenology, KAXE blends science, storytelling, and community participation—sharing seasonal observations, engaging students, and highlighting environmental change.

Below is an overview of current projects supported by LCCMR funding:

Season Watch - A KAXE podcast exploring the natural rhythms of northern Minnesota, featuring hosts, community voices, and young observers sharing what they see in the outdoors.
Phenology with John Latimer – A regular radio feature offering seasonal observations and insights from KAXE’s staff phenologist and a statewide network of student contributors.
Phenology Workshops and Resources – Community workshops and online tools that help people of all ages observe, understand, and engage with seasonal changes in the natural world.
Nature Conversations - Environmental programming from a longtime contributor and former Aitkin County land commissioner, featuring in-depth conversations on forestry, wildlife, and natural resource management in northern Minnesota.

To learn more about LCCMR programs, contact Sarah Bignall at grants@kaxe.org.