News Release: McKnight approves $7.2 million in first quarter of 2010, including $700,000 to improve neighborhoods

March 29, 2010 - McKnight's first-quarter 2010 approved grants.

The McKnight Foundation awarded 40 grants totaling $7,243,000 in its first-quarter 2010 grantmaking.

Of the $7.2 million total approved, $700,000 went to five organizations working to foster economically viable Twin Cities neighborhoods where businesses and families can thrive. Lyndale Neighborhood Association received $120,000 over two years for its work strengthening the safety and stability of the south Minneapolis neighborhood; Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers received a two-year grant of $245,000 for an association of community-based affordable housing and small business developers; Metropolitan Economic Development Association received $100,000 over two years for its efforts to provide management and technical assistance to ethnic minority entrepreneurs; Riverview Economic Development Association received $135,000 to support a community development collaborative; and West Broadway Area Coalition received a two-year grant of $100,000 for its ongoing neighborhood revitalization work in north Minneapolis.

"Vibrant neighborhoods are the building blocks of a thriving region," says Robert J. Struyk, McKnight's board chair. "The dedicated work of these and other organizations provides a strong foundation for everyone who lives and works in the Twin Cities. We are pleased to support such efforts to enrich our communities."

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 $1.8 billion and granted about $98 million in 2009.