News Release: McKnight approves over $23.6 million in second quarter of 2008, including over $4 million to support the arts in Minnesota
June 6, 2008 - McKnight's 2nd-quarter 2008 approved grants.
The McKnight Foundation awarded 137 grants totaling $23,693,000 in its second-quarter 2008 grantmaking.
Of the $23.6 million total approved, $4.9 million went to 33 organizations that support the arts in Minnesota. Among the approved funds were grants to several cornerstones of the state's arts community. Minneapolis' Intermedia Arts of Minnesota received a two-year grant of $151,500 for its community-based art programs aimed to build understanding among people. The Jungle Theater received $110,000 over two years to offer classical and contemporary theater in the Lyn-Lake neighborhood of Minneapolis. Minneapolis-based Milkweed Editions, one of the largest nonprofit literary publishers in the country, was awarded a two-year grant of $120,000 for general operations. The Schubert Club of St. Paul received $90,000 over two years to support its music concerts, educational programs and museum collection of historical instruments. Finally, the Walker Art Center received a three-year grant of $150,000 for two initiatives designed to foster collaboration with select segments of the Twin Cities performing arts community.
"These organizations reflect the enormous range of ways that the arts define and enrich Minnesota's cultural landscape," says Erika L. Binger, McKnight's board chair. "The benefits resulting from the creativity of Minnesota artists extend beyond aesthetics, with social and economic impacts on all aspects of civic life."
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.