2,500,000,000 USD
The McKnight Foundation is a fourth-generation family foundation that was established by William L. McKnight and his wife, Maude L. McKnight, in 1953. As an early leader of 3M, Mr. McKnight earned a reputation for spurring innovation and recognizing the creative potential in others—practices that live on at the Foundation. Their daughter, Virginia McKnight Binger, then set the standard for the Foundation’s work with her singular compassion and spirit of generosity.
Since the early years of the Foundation, the tectonic forces of technology, demography, politics, globalization, and ecological shifts have shaped our modern reality. While much has changed, McKnight’s commitment to doing good endures.
Today, the McKnight Foundation works across many disciplines, sectors, and geographic boundaries. We support communities in our home state of Minnesota, known as Mni Sota Makoce to the Dakota, whom we acknowledge and respect as the first people of this land. Beyond Minnesota, our work spans several continents. Our diverse programs are united in a quest to improve our shared fate. We envision a world that recognizes the dignity of every human being, a world where we celebrate the creativity of the arts and sciences and come together to protect our one and only Earth.
McKnight Foundation
As a family foundation, McKnight is governed by a board of up to 12 that includes directors who are descendants of the founders as well as community (i.e., non-family) directors. In identifying new community board members, McKnight’s board considers prospective directors’ skills and experience, as well as how those skills will complement expertise already on the board. Community members serve three-year terms; a one-year hiatus is required after three terms in a row.
The board of directors has chartered five committees to assist it in fulfilling its duties: Audit/Finance Committee (budget, annual audit, financial review), Executive Committee (support for chair, annual president’s review, and critical action between board meetings), Governance Committee (board composition and effectiveness), Investment Committee (investment and fiduciary matters), and Mission Investing Committee (impact investing opportunities, MDIs, and PRIs).
With very few exceptions, applicants must be classified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations to be eligible for a grant. We provide planning, operating, and project grants. Please note that the Foundation’s primary geographic focus in grantmaking is the state of Minnesota for our Arts & Culture, Minnesota Initiative Funds, and Vibrant & Equitable Communities programs.
Global, focus on Africa and South America