ABOUT THE McKNIGHT FOUNDATION
The McKnight Foundation, a Minnesota-based family foundation, seeks to improve the quality of life for present and future generations. Program interests include regional economic and community development, Minnesota’s arts and artists, education equity, youth engagement, Midwest climate and energy, Mississippi River water quality, neuroscience research, international crop research, and rural livelihoods. Founded in 1953 and independently endowed by William and Maude McKnight, the Foundation had assets of approximately $2.2 billion and granted about $87 million in 2016.
21% of McKnight’s grantmaking payout went to support grantees’ general operations

430 grants were approved to 355 organizations

57% of McKnight’s grantmaking was tied to multiyear commitments

To help advance program objectives, McKnight hosted 4,500 people at 210 meetings and events in 2016, with an estimated value to partners of $341,469
Funding by Program Area

Funding by Geographic Area

Board of Directors
Erika L. Binger
Meghan Binger Brown, Chair
David Crosby
Phyllis Goff
Bill Gregg
Debby Landesman
Perry Moriearty
Roger Sit
Noa Staryk
Kathy Tunheim
Staff Leadership
Kate Wolford, President
Kara Carlisle, Vice President of Programs
Bernadette Christiansen, Vice President of Operations
Na Eng, Communications Director
Rick Scott, Vice President of Finance and Compliance
ANNUAL REPORT CREDITS
Executive Editor: Na Eng
Digital Coordinator: Shannon Eisentrager
Contributors: Maja Beckstrom, Laura Billings Coleman, Colleen Ebinger, Erin Imon Gavin, David Kennedy-Logan, Kitty Shea
Original Photography: Steve Foley (Education & Learning) and Nancy Musinguzi (Region & Communities)
Copyeditor: Peggy Parker
This annual report was made in creative partnership with Pollen Midwest.