News Release: McKnight announces $3 million to address global climate change
June 10, 2008 - RE-AMP and Midwestern Governors Association receive grants to strengthen multistate collaboration toward regional carbon reductions.
The McKnight Foundation today announced two grants totaling $3 million to RE-AMP and the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA). Through the grants, McKnight supports Midwestern collaborations to take advantage of regional opportunities and develop uniform policies and practical solutions to the most pressing climate challenges.
RE-AMP, a network of nonprofits focused on reducing pollution, will receive $2 million over two years. Managed by the Rockefeller Family Fund, this seven-state collaborative strives for Midwest leadership in 21st-century clean energy by reducing electricity sector global warming pollutants 80 percent by 2030.
MGA will receive $1 million over 18 months to implement the MGA Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. The Accord serves as a regional strategy to achieve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.
"Decisions we all make in the next 10 years will affect the planet's climate and its people for generations," said McKnight President Kate Wolford. "Without immediate action, climate change will put at risk all those served by our programs. As a private foundation, McKnight has the flexibility and the resources to respond strategically."
In recent years, the Foundation has explored funding opportunities to promote local, national and international policies that combat global warming. To achieve the greatest lasting impact, McKnight is interested in working with partners to reduce carbon emissions and avoid potential effects of climate change, such as catastrophic weather patterns and the increased spread of disease due to higher temperatures. McKnight plans to announce a climate change funding strategy later this year.
"This is a global issue with very local implications and solutions," said Wolford. "We are pleased to fund efforts in areas like greenhouse gas reduction, reduced carbon fuel standards and regional incentives."
McKnight's grants to RE-AMP and MGA bolster a cumulative investment since 1991 of more than $100 million to address environmental issues, both to restore a healthy environment to the Mississippi River Basin and to promote the development of renewable energy in Minnesota and the Midwest. In partnership with the Energy Foundation of San Francisco and its support of advocacy organizations such as Environment Ohio, the Environmental Law & Policy Center (Illinois) and the Dakota Resource Council (North Dakota), McKnight has helped build the capacity to address energy issues in the Midwest.
ABOUT THE MCKNIGHT FOUNDATION
The McKnight Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life for present and future generations through grantmaking, coalition-building and encouragement of strategic policy reform. Founded in 1953 and independently endowed by William and Maude McKnight, the Minnesota-based Foundation had assets of approximately $2.3 billion and granted about $93 million in 2007.
ABOUT RE-AMP
RE-AMP is a network of more than 70 nonprofits and foundations in seven states (Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin), striving for Midwest leadership in 21st-century clean energy by reducing global warming pollution 80 percent by 2030.
ABOUT MIDWESTERN GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION
The Midwestern Governors Association fosters regional development, pursues greater efficiency in state administration, facilitates interstate cooperation, improves intergovernmental relationships, and provides a medium to exchange views and experiences on issues of general importance to people in the Midwest. )
Contact
Tim Hanrahan, Communications Director, 612-333-4220
Related links
RE-AMP
Midwestern Governors Association