The McKnight Foundation has named Christine Ganzlin as program director of its grantmaking to support children and families.

Ganzlin has worked at McKnight for 15 years. In 1991 she was hired as grants program manager, and in 2000 she became a program officer focusing on youth development and families. In November 2005 she was named interim director of the Children and Families program, following the departure of former director Jodi Sandfort.

"Chris has always had a sincere concern for the work of the Foundation and an ability to help bring that work into the community," says interim president Peg Birk. "She communicates clearly and honestly, and is a natural colleague to partners in the field. Above all, she believes in what she does. We are excited for her to lead an area of grantmaking that is so vital to our efforts."

Prior to her work at McKnight, Ganzlin held positions in state and local government and the nonprofit sector, including a stint in the office of the council president of the city of Minneapolis. She received a master's degree in public policy and administration from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

McKnight's funding in this particular area aims to provide children and families with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary for children to thrive and make successful transitions to adulthood. The Foundation pursues this goal through support for early childhood, youth development, and parenting. In 2005, an estimated 22 percent of the Foundation's total annual payout went toward grants to support children and families.

ABOUT THE MCKNIGHT FOUNDATION

Founded in 1953 and endowed by William L. McKnight and Maude L. McKnight, The McKnight Foundation has assets of approximately $2 billion and granted about $90 million in 2005. McKnight is an independent private philanthropic organization; the Foundation has no relationship with the 3M Company, although Mr. McKnight was one of 3M's early leaders.

Contact
Tim Hanrahan, Communications Director, 612-333-4220