McKnight Foundation

OUR MISSION The McKnight Foundation, a family foundation based in Minnesota, advances a more just, creative, and abundant future where people and planet thrive. OUR VISION 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. OUR VALUES Stewardship Our deepest responsibility is to use all of our resources for mission impact. We deploy the Foundation's resources in a transparent manner and seek to maximize our relevance, credibility, and effectiveness. Respect Authentic and mutually accountable relationships matter deeply to us. We equip ourselves with the intercultural competency mindset and skills to help us bridge differences of all kinds. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement Imagine a world where every child recognizes the sacredness of their humanity. And every family has enough to eat, and a place to call home, no matter the color of their skin or the zip code of their birth. Imagine how much higher we could soar in our arts and sciences if we realized that ingenuity comes from all quarters, and we sought out hidden assets. Imagine if everyone could enjoy the bounty of the land that has sustained us for generations, and we could come together to preserve our one and only Earth. Curiosity We value ongoing learning, and we look outward and reflect internally to discover opportunities for greater impact. It is only when we act with humility, ask big questions, and practice deep listening that we can open ourselves to new ideas and relationships. HISTORY William L. McKnight and his wife, Maude L. McKnight, established the McKnight Foundation in Minneapolis in 1953. One of the early leaders of 3M, Mr. McKnight rose from assistant bookkeeper to president, CEO, and board chair in a career that spanned 59 years, from 1907 to 1966. His philosophy on employee initiative and innovation still guides many leading businesses today. The McKnight Foundation is an independent private philanthropic organization; it is not affiliated with 3M. In 1974, shortly after his wife’s death, McKnight asked their only child, Virginia McKnight Binger, to lead the Foundation. Working with Russell Ewald as executive director, Mrs. Binger established the formal grantmaking program and community-based approach that remain a part of the Foundation’s legacy. McKnight’s grant programs reflect decades, and generations, of diverse interests and investments. Fourth-generation members of this private family foundation continue to be active on the board of trustees.