Early Literacy

Focus Area: Early Literacy


Working along a developmental continuum from pre-kindergarten to grade 3, we seek to increase the percentage of successful third grade readers in the Twin Cities.


To achieve our goal, McKnight has outlined a three-part strategy:

Establish high-quality systems for literacy development from pre-kindergarten through grade 3.




Gather, analyze, and share useful field data and diagnostics.




Undertake field-building and advocacy statewide to support a broad range of stakeholders and field leaders.


Building on more than a decade of support for early childhood and
kindergarten-readiness in Minnesota, McKnight began a targeted and strategic investment in a new early literacy goal to increase the percentage of Twin Cities students reading at grade level by the end of third grade.

McKnight's Education and Learning National Advisory Committee is composed of national experts in early literacy and representatives from McKnight's board and staff, and provides oversight and funding recommendations to the Foundation's board of directors. The University of Chicago's Urban Education Institute leads and manages McKnight's grants to Twin Cities school districts, including coordination of technical assistance and knowledge sharing.


Closed application process

McKnight's Education and Learning program uses a closed application process; proposals for funding are accepted only from selected organizations that are invited by Foundation staff to apply.

Related Resources