News Release: McKnight approves grants totaling $15.9 million in third quarter of 2009, including over $1.8 million to improve Twin Ci

September 17, 2009 - McKnight's third-quarter 2009 approved grants.

The McKnight Foundation awarded 93 grants totaling $15,911,000 in its third-quarter 2009 grantmaking. Grant totals and representative grants are listed by program below.

Of the $15.9 million total approved, more than $1.8 million went to six organizations working to foster thriving neighborhoods in the Twin Cities region. In Minneapolis, Elliott Park Neighborhood, Inc., received $70,000 over two years for an urban planning, design, and development initiative; Harrison Neighborhood Association received $120,000 over two years for its efforts to empower residents and ensure equitable land development in north Minneapolis; Hope Community received $200,000 over two years for its comprehensive community development work; and the Peace Foundation received $80,000 over two years for its support of grassroots community-building. In St. Paul, Summit-University Planning Council received $10,000 to increase participation in the LRT planning process among residents of University Avenue. Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), headquartered in New York, received two grants: $1.24 million over two years for Twin Cities LISC's work to build the organizational capacity of community development corporations, and $350,000 to support Nexus Community Partners, providing community engagement services in several metro area neighborhoods.

"Amid pressures from the economic downturn, neighborhood-based efforts continue to be a rich source of opportunities for Twin Cities residents," says Robert J. Struyk, McKnight's board chair. "The tireless, creative work of grantees and partners like these are key to making that possible."

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 family foundation has assets of approximately $1.6 billion and granted about $99 million in 2008.