Program Background

​Program Background

We believe that decisions made in the next few years will affect the planet's climate and its people for generations. These challenging times call for extraordinary actions. The McKnight Foundation recognizes a responsibility to act now and to act decisively to address this global issue with its striking local implications.
 
McKnight's climate-related strategies emerged from our identity as a place-based family foundation in Minnesota with a long-standing environment program. In 2008, McKnight's board committed $100 million over five years to a strategy to mitigate catastrophic global climate change. This financial commitment supported innovative efforts regionally and globally.

The multifaceted approach included partnering with regional and global foundations to support organizations that work towards reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Initially, we worked with three intermediary organizations: RE-AMP, a regional network of nonprofits and foundations across eight Midwestern states working on climate and energy policy; the Energy Foundation, helping the Midwest contribute to our nation's sustainable, low-carbon energy supply through national policy efforts; and the ClimateWorks Foundation, a global network supporting public policies that prevent dangerous climate change and promote global prosperity.

In 2013, McKnight announced the Midwest Climate & Energy program,
building directly on that 2008 commitment and over 20 years of support to promote renewable energy in Minnesota and the Midwest. The goal of the program is to help the Midwest become an international model in addressing climate change by reducing such emissions in all economic sectors, while employing a sustainability lens that both informs strategies and catalyzes action. Three key objectives were identified for this work:

		Climate and energy policy: Support for grantees and networks to advance related Midwest policies in energy generation, efficiency, transmission, agriculture, and transportation.
		Community engagement: Support to advance community-level efforts that promote energy and transportation efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
		Resilient clean energy economy: Support to facilitate private-sector leaders and networks to develop, promote, and implement climate and energy objectives for the Midwest.

The impact of global climate change has potential to put at risk all those served by all our programs. We believe strategic, philanthropic investments made now can help chart a new, low-carbon future, one that is good for the environment and the economy.

McKnight does not accept unsolicited requests for climate change funding.