Welcoming General Counsel Jim Zappa and Recognizing Jacques Hebert’s Leadership
Jim Zappa joins McKnight as General Counsel and Jacques Hebert is promoted to Executive Leadership
Jim Zappa
Jim Zappa joined McKnight as general counsel with the President’s Office in April 2025. In this role, Jim provides strategic legal counsel to the organization, overseeing legal matters and advising on complex legal issues, which is pivotal in supporting governance, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. Prior to joining McKnight, Jim worked …
Nominations Open for 2025 Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor
Celebrating people who are the pulse of Minnesota’s caring and connected communities. McKnight is delighted to accept nominations for the Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor. In partnership with the Minnesota Council of Foundations, this awards program celebrates seven everyday champions from across the state whose compassion and contributions serve as the heartbeat of …
Transactional to Transformational: Building Bridges in a Crisis Deepens Commitments to Supportive Housing
Supportive housing combines rental housing with coordinated services that support residents in improving their quality of life, at rents they can afford. For some of the most vulnerable people in Minnesota – people experiencing mental illness, chronic health conditions, and histories of trauma – a stable home can be foundational in securing treatment and working toward recovery and healing.
McKnight Welcomes New Senior Program Officers Working on Clean Energy and Food Systems
Today, we are excited to announce that two new colleagues are joining McKnight Foundation as senior program officers in our Midwest Climate & Energy and Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems programs. In these roles, our new colleagues will help shape and guide the trajectory of the Foundation’s work to advance clean energy, decarbonize …
Emily Mattheisen
Emily Mattheisen joined McKnight as senior program officer with the Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems program in March 2025. In this role, Emily works to shape and guide the trajectory of the Foundation’s work to transform global food systems. She oversees and develops grant portfolios that support efforts to build power through transformative partnerships, …
Julia Eagles
Julia Eagles joined McKnight as a senior program officer with the Midwest Climate & Energy program in March 2025. In this role, Julia works to shape and guide the trajectory of the Foundation’s work to advance clean energy and decarbonize buildings. She oversees and develops grant portfolios that support efforts to build power through partnership, …
Amidst Complexity, McKnight Remains Focused on Our Mission, Values, and Partners
At this moment of complexity and challenge for the United States of America and the world, the McKnight Foundation remains resolute in our mission to advance a more just, creative, and abundant future where all people and our planet thrive. Why? Because we are guided by the conviction that our country prospers when every person has the opportunity to prosper and can benefit from a healthy, stable planet.
2025 Distinguished Artist Award Nominations Open
Do you know an artist or culture bearer with an enduring and exceptional career in Minnesota? The McKnight Foundation invites nominations for its 28th Distinguished Artist Award. Nominations for the $100,000 award are due April 16, 2025. The annual McKnight Distinguished Artist Award recognizes artists and culture bearers who have made a lifelong commitment to …
Building A Worker Justice Ecosystem in Minnesota
When workers are treated justly, they can build wealth and invest back into their communities–achieving their aspirations, enriching our social fabric, and strengthening local economies.