Cheryal Hills is a do-first leader, a fearless champion for rural voices, and the Executive Director of Region Five Development Commission. Through her do‑first leadership, Cheryal works across the everyday systems that make communities thrive—broadband, childcare, workforce, grocery access, transportation, clean water, and environmental stewardship—treating infrastructure as interconnected and focused on belonging and opportunity.
We believe in dignity, safety, and the rule of law. We will not accept the unjust targeting of our immigrant neighbors that rips families apart, government overreach that undermines constitutional rights, or violence and the senseless loss of life… The best way to help make Minnesota safer is for ICE agents and their leaders to leave—stop inflicting harm through vitriolic narratives about our neighbors, terrorizing our communities with your presence, and creating conditions that lead to violence… Leave us in peace so we can mourn, heal, and unite—displaying the full love and tenacity of Minnesotans.
Thomas Friedman, Minnesota-born journalist and best-selling author, has joined our Board of Directors with a term starting in 2026.
McKnight Foundation is honoring our longtime community board member, veteran communications strategist, and civic leader Kathy Tunheim, who has made invaluable contributions to McKnight and its mission-driven work.
We’re proud to be a place where anyone—whether they were born here or chose to make their home here—can put down roots and build a better future for their family. McKnight opposes—in the strongest terms—any action on Minnesota soil that rips families apart, violates our constitutional rights, or uses violence.
Families across Minnesota are increasingly struggling to afford food, rent, energy and other essentials due to rising costs of living. It is a critical time to provide immediate and vital support for our communities and neighbors who are experiencing increased uncertainty and difficulty. That’s why the McKnight Foundation is deploying $1 million in grants to 14 organizations providing food and direct assistance ahead of the holiday season.
Families across Minnesota are increasingly struggling to afford food, rent, energy and other essentials due to rising costs of living. It is a critical time to provide immediate and vital support for our communities and neighbors who are experiencing increased uncertainty and difficulty. That’s why the McKnight Foundation is deploying $1 million in grants to 14 organizations providing food and direct assistance ahead of the holiday season.
The Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor celebrates everyday champions each year whose compassion and contributions serve as the heartbeat of Minnesota communities.
Big River Magazine, November-December 2025 Restoration at the Falls Minneapolis — McKnight Foundation moved into a new/old downtown Minneapolis headquarters in September. The office is carbon-neutral, green, repurposed and within view of the Mississippi River. McKnight had $2.6 billion in assets at the end of 2023. It awarded grants totaling $145 million in 2024 and …
