Fourteen grants will provide support for communities across the state ahead of the holiday season
(MINNEAPOLIS) November 24, 2025 — Fondation McKnight, a family foundation based in Minnesota, announced today the deployment of $1 million in grants to help more Minnesotans across the state access the nourishment and stability they deserve this holiday season amidst growing economic insecurity.
Families across the United States are increasingly struggling to afford food, rent, energy and other essentials due to rising costs of living—challenges that were compounded when SNAP benefits lapsed earlier this month, creating uncertainty for 42 million Americans and 440,000 Minnesotans. Proposed cuts by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to federal funding to address homelessness would further compound the crisis in Minnesota and beyond, as food banks across the nation struggle to remain stocked. With the holiday and winter seasons underway and budgets already stretched thin, it is a critical time to provide immediate and vital support for our communities and neighbors who are experiencing increased uncertainty and difficulty.
“No one should have to make impossible choices like whether to pay for food or medicine or rent. Minnesotans show up for each other when it matters most—whether we’re digging each other out of the snow or making sure there’s food on the table. Now is a time for all of us to stretch out our hands and open our hearts in support of our neighbors who are in need,” said Tonya Allen, présidente de la McKnight Foundation. “Philanthropy means the love of humanity, and at McKnight, we aim to demonstrate that love by helping more families experience greater comfort and security this holiday season and every day of the year.”
The grants will be spread across fourteen organizations in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota, totaling $1 million.
$100,000 grants will be given to each of the six Minnesota Initiative Foundations to fund vehicle maintenance, gift cards for gas, groceries, diapers and baby formula, and heating assistance:
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- Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
- Southwest Initiative Foundation
- Fondation Initiative
- Initiative du centre ouest
- Fondation du Nord-Ouest du Minnesota
- Fondation Northland
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Additionally, eight $50,000 grants will go towards emergency housing assistance, including rent and utilities, food assistance, and holiday “toy store” cash assistance, through the following organizations:
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- Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio
- Centre communautaire de Sabathani
- Hallie Q. Brown Community Center
- People Serving People
- Pillsbury United Communities
- Communities Advancing Prosperity for Immigrants (CAPI)
- Services communautaires Merrick
- Association des résidents de la petite terre
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“My maternal grandmother worked three jobs to make ends meet, and it wasn’t always enough to put food on the table. She relied heavily on the generosity of her neighbors, who would drop off baskets to ensure that she and my mother were getting what they needed. That’s the reality for so many in our community, especially this holiday season, and many of those who have traditionally given or supported their neighbors are feeling the stress too,” said Erika Binger, a McKnight board and family member and founder of V3 Sports. “The McKnight Foundation was built on the principle that we step up in moments like this—responding to urgent needs while investing in long-term solutions that strengthen communities. These grants honor and continue this tradition, and we hope they inspire others to do what they can to support our neighbors across the state today and every day of the year.”
By providing direct support to communities across the state, McKnight aims to inspire others to do their part to show up for their neighbors when it matters most. Learn more at www.mcknight.org/good-neighbor-grants.
Quotes from Participating Partners:
“In critical times like this, our community’s strength shines through the ways we support one another. As many of our neighbors face financial challenges, every act of generosity—whether through donations, volunteering, or helping spread the word—makes a real difference. Your support ensures families have essential resources and reminds them they are not alone.” – Ruby Azurdia-Lee, President and CEO, Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES)
“It is so hard to be present right now. The news cycle keeps us in a state of anxiety, and we have seen how quickly that once stable systems can be decimated overnight. In this moment, it is critical that we show up for each other. Instead of feeling helpless because of the shaky ground around us, find a nonprofit that aligns with your values and volunteer, donate funds, host a food drive…get your hands in the dirt and create something beautiful to share with your neighbors and your community. Giving feels like an act of resistance. Let’s choose to live in that space.” – Mary Niedermeyer, CEO, Communities Advancing Prosperity for Immigrants
“Hallie Q. Brown exists to improve quality of life, to increase longevity, and to make our community immortal through historical archiving. We believe that in times like these we need community more than ever. We provide holistic lifespan support to ensure that our neighbors can thrive. Investment from McKnight positions local organizations to be flexible to meet changing demands while continuing to stay mission driven. HQB and other social service organizations like ours provide excellent services while also being committed to community development. We are grateful for aligned funding partners that scale the work in ways we are unable to alone.” – Benny Roberts, Executive Director, Hallie Q. Brown Community Center
“We are fortunate to have friends who remember that deep winter brings sparks of light but also pain to many who cannot both afford to put protein on the table and pay their utility bill. Unasked, McKnight responded to the need. This winter, with the cost of basic groceries so high, no one should think their donation—however much—will not make a difference. It will, and the need isn’t going away soon. Direct-serving nonprofits are running lean. Unrestricted funding allows them to run even leaner and serve those most in need.” – Holly A. Raab, Development Director, Little Earth Residents Association
“For over 117 years, Merrick Community Services has appreciated the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and funders, whose vital support allows us to provide wrap-around, basic, and emergency/crisis services and interventions to those we are privileged to serve on the East Side of Saint Paul and beyond. The year-end holidays are a great time for individuals to support our Employment and Career Services, Family and Community Services, Food Shelf, Meals on Wheels Programs, and also our Annual Holiday Share Toy Distribution. To get information on how to donate or volunteer, please go to merrickcs.org.” – Daniel A. Rodriguez, Executive Director, Merrick Community Services
People Serving People supports families experiencing housing instability and advocates for systems change to create a community where no family has to experience homelessness. Since 1982 we have been providing families with essential shelter and meals, facilitating housing stabilization, and nurturing early childhood education.
“In heightened moments of conflict and uncertainty, it is our responsibility to turn to one another. As the holidays approach, the disparities we see negatively impacting our communities are ever present and increasing. For those of us committed to a better future, rapid action is required. We thank partners like the McKnight Foundation who recognize the urgency of the moment and move with and in support of community.” – Signe V. Harriday, Artistic Producing Director, Pillsbury United Communities
“In times like these, the strength of our community is measured by how we show up for one another. Every act of giving—whether it’s a warm meal, a donated coat, a financial contribution, or simply checking in on a neighbor—helps someone feel seen, supported, and valued. When we each offer what we can, we remind our neighbors that they are not alone and that this nation will always rise together.” – Scott Redd, President & Chief Executive Officer, Sabathani Community Center
“This special grant round reflects the power of partnership and responsiveness in times of need. By working with the McKnight Foundation, we can quickly channel resources to address urgent challenges—whether it’s food insecurity, heating assistance or other essentials—so families and communities feel supported right now. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors, and we’re honored to play a role in that.” – Amy Trombley, Vice President for Community, Initiative Foundation
“McKnight’s Good Neighbor Grantmaking support is timely and deeply appreciated. Right now, many of our neighbors are facing food insecurity and too many are struggling to put meals on the table. This generous funding will support hope and action in our rural northeastern Minnesota communities.” – Tony Sertich, President and CEO, Northland Foundation
“Many of our neighbors are facing real hardships right now. Together, we’re working to respond quickly and get help where it’s needed most for food and heating. In moments like this, Northwest Minnesota shows what it does best—taking care of one another. We invite everyone to join us in helping our neighbors stay safe, warm, and supported this season.” – Karen White, President, Northwest Minnesota Foundation
“Giving flows from gratitude, and this holiday season we are grateful for the neighbors who band together in support when times are hard. This generous gift from McKnight helps us fuel the work of those who serve their neighbors, activating the power of our community partners to keep food shelves stocked, energy bills paid, and local dollars flowing through our local businesses.” – Benya Kraus, President and CEO, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
“Please consider supporting your neighbors in this moment by giving to your local food shelf, crisis relief fund, community foundation, and the many nonprofits who provide critical services and assistance for families. The costs to provide access to food, shelter, fuel, transportation, childcare, and funding for emergencies and unplanned expenses continues to grow, so these organizations need our support now more than ever. We are grateful for McKnight Foundation’s generosity and investment in our region’s communities and families, and for sharing our vision of a region where all people can thrive.” – Scott Marquardt, Southwest Initiative Foundation
“West Central Initiative is deeply grateful for this grant, which will make a meaningful difference for those most in need in west central Minnesota. When each of us gives what we can—whether time, resources, or compassion—we help ensure every neighbor’s basic needs are met. Every gift, no matter its size, strengthens the bonds that keep us resilient, caring, and hopeful.” – Anna Wasescha, President, West Central Initiative
À propos de la Fondation McKnight :
La Fondation McKnight, une fondation familiale basée au Minnesota, œuvre pour un avenir plus juste, créatif et prospère, où les populations et la planète prospèrent. Créée en 1953, la Fondation McKnight est profondément engagée dans la promotion de solutions climatiques dans le Midwest ; la construction d'un Minnesota équitable et inclusif ; et le soutien aux arts et à la culture du Minnesota, aux neurosciences et aux systèmes alimentaires mondiaux. Depuis sa création, McKnight a accordé plus de 143,26 milliards de livres sterling à plus de 4 000 organisations. Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur www.mcknight.org/about.
