With the release of McKnight’s Strategic Framework 2019-2021, we will periodically offer additional context about one specific aspect of the document. Here, Neeraj Mehta, director of learning, shares his reflections on one of the philanthropic approaches featured on page 4 of the full document. Neeraj was part of the board-staff committee that developed the Framework. …
The strategy of McKnight’s Arts & Culture program is to fund organizations, programs, and projects that provide support structures for working artists and culture bearers to develop and share their work, and to lead in movements and communities. This includes artists and culture bearers working in a broad continuum of activities and approaches across disciplines …
Inaugural program advisory panels include diverse roster of practitioners from government, philanthropic, military, and corporate leaders to academics, authors, and journalists. As the McKnight Foundation works to create a more just, creative, and abundant future where people and planet thrive, we recognize that we cannot meet this moment and advance our mission alone, nor strictly …
Nate Wade became the investment officer at the McKnight Foundation in 2019, covering its $2.2 billion endowment, including its commitment to impact investing. Nate provides strategic analysis of the portfolio, working directly with fund managers, the board’s investment committees, and investment advisors. He is building the Foundation’s direct private investment program and helping expand into …
At the end of October 2019, the McKnight Foundation engaged Frontline as the firm launched a multifaceted and multilevel input-gathering process designed to shape and inform the Foundation’s new Vibrant & Equitable Communities program. The primary goal was to identify powerful and relevant strategies that could guide three initial exploratory focus areas: economic mobility, equitable …
▾ Announcing $1 Million in Grants Inspired by George Floyd’s Life In honor of George Floyd’s memory, the McKnight Foundation will award unsolicited $100,000 grants to 10 organizations that make Minnesota a more welcoming, supportive, and inclusive place. These one-time trust-based grants recognize groups beyond our current grantees and affirm their work toward healing and …
Transportation, in particular daily commuting, produces nearly 30 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Scoop seeks to disrupt long, solitary commutes by providing custom, flexible carpool options for workers. Investment $2.5 million direct equity investment; originated in 2019. Exited 2022 (failure due to Covid-19 impacts). Rationale The Scoop app replaces clunky …
Community Focus Areas In September 2019, the McKnight Foundation announced a new community-focused program to advance equity and inclusion in Minnesota. The goal: Build a vibrant future for all Minnesotans with shared power, prosperity, and participation. To build this vibrant future, this new program will honor and build upon what we’ve learned from the work we’ve supported …
This case study examines the challenges and lessons learned during the 10-month development of the Carbon Efficiency Strategy, a joint venture between Mellon Capital Management and The McKnight Foundation, offering carbon-conscious investors a way to invest in companies whose practices could reduce carbon emissions. In late October 2014, Gabriela “Gabby” Franco Parcella, chairman, president, and CEO …
Muneer Karcher-Ramos joined McKnight in March 2024 as Vibrant & Equitable Communities (Communities) program director. The Communities program works to advance a vibrant future for all Minnesotans with shared power, prosperity, and participation. Muneer brings more than 15 years of experience working in and with communities to create greater opportunity for many residents in our …