The McKnight Foundation
The McKnight Foundation is a private foundation based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It supports work across Arts & Culture, Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems, Midwest Climate & Energy, Neuroscience, and Vibrant & Equitable Communities, advancing a future where people and planet thrive.
The McKnight Foundation at a glance
In short: The McKnight Foundation gave $145.9M across 790 grants in 2024 (avg $185K), mostly in Minnesota. 21% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $145,891,450
- +33.4% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 790
- +5.2% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $184,673
- +26.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $100,000
- Total assets
- $2,712,040,525
- +1.9% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 21% first-time grantees (128 of 596, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Minnesota (58% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The McKnight Foundation
- How to Apply
-
Review the relevant program’s criteria and, if the work fits, discuss the inquiry with program staff; proposal instructions are provided if the foundation can consider funding. The filing refers applicants to attached materials for forms, deadlines, and restrictions.
- Contact
Application contact: The Mcknight Foundation
Mailing address: 921 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1257
Phone: (612) 333-4220
Email: apply@mcknight.org
Website: https://mcknight.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
5 open opportunities from The McKnight Foundation
McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience: Neurobiology of Brain Disorders Award Grant
The McKnight Foundation
Amount
Up to US $300,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience: Scholar Awards Grant
The McKnight Foundation
Amount
US $225,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
McKnight Foundation: Arts & Culture Grant Program
The McKnight Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who The McKnight Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Minneapolis Foundation ($16.6M across 8 grants). Together the top 10 received $46.5M.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($100,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
3,916 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 1,290 grants of 3,916 (33%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
McKnight’s funding FAQ identifies Minnesota as the primary geographic focus for Arts & Culture, Minnesota Initiative Funds, and Vibrant & Equitable Communities. In 2024, 58% of grant dollars went to Minnesota recipients; other reported shares were California 9%, the District of Columbia 7%, and New York 2%. The foundation’s strategic framework says its work also extends beyond Minnesota across several continents.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 790 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The McKnight Foundation open to new grantees?
21%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 128 of 596 grantees (21%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $197K; repeat grants $258K. How we count
Medians: $100K first-time, $100K repeat.
- 70% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 49% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 140% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $97.6M (2021) to $145.9M (2024). In 2024 it made 790 grants totaling $145.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis Foundation Minneapolis, MN | for the GroundBreak Coalition special purpose fund | $10,000,000 |
| United States Energy Foundation San Francisco, CA | to equitably decarbonize the Midwest by supporting powerful and inclusive coalitions with the ability to transform markets and the economy through state action in seven states | $9,600,000 |
| Minneapolis Foundation Minneapolis, MN | for the GroundBreak Coalition special purpose fund | $5,000,000 |
| Minnesota Home Ownership Center Saint Paul, MN | to bridge capacity needs and scale the deployment capacity of GroundBreak Coalition supported down payment assistance products | $2,200,000 |
| Climate and Clean Energy Equity Fund Washington DC, DC | for general operating support | $2,000,000 |
| Rewiring America Inc Washington, DC | to advance equitable electrification in the Midwest through place-based demonstration projects and policy development | $2,000,000 |
| The McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience Minneapolis, MN | for award programs supporting research in neuroscience | $2,000,000 |
| Community Foundation of Jackson Hole Jackson, WY | for family-directed giving | $1,850,000 |
| Greater Minnesota Housing Fund St. Paul, MN | for general operating support | $1,750,000 |
| Brick By Brick Training & Development Corporation Minneapolis, MN | to purchase a 400+ single family rental portfolio of properties and equitably reposition them for homeownership | $1,500,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The McKnight Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,712,040,525 | $189,397,037 | $209,369,790 | $145,891,450 | 790 | $182,225,271 | $239,721,056 | $129,838,245 |
| 2023 | $2,661,443,888 | $106,746,947 | $162,849,317 | $109,342,200 | 751 | $143,711,780 | $93,364,070 | $133,481,520 |
| 2022 | $2,566,350,071 | $165,036,445 | $200,900,058 | $120,117,350 | 831 | $143,570,342 | $145,394,624 | $123,804,116 |
| 2021 | $3,199,348,023 | $364,557,003 | $177,049,148 | $97,631,000 | 724 | $118,441,442 | $329,096,560 | $137,491,722 |
| 2020 | $2,844,919,359 | $132,141,977 | $123,681,045 | $105,914,300 | 820 | — | $137,029,525 | $116,095,807 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The McKnight Foundation reported a distributable amount of $129.8M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
McKnight’s mission is to advance a more just, creative, and abundant future where people and planet thrive. Its five primary program areas are Arts & Culture, Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems, Midwest Climate & Energy, Neuroscience, and Vibrant & Equitable Communities.
The Arts & Culture program supports organizations, programs, and projects that provide support structures for working artists and culture bearers to develop and share their work, including efforts to elevate underrepresented artists and cultural institutions and advance justice. The foundation also supports food-systems convenings focused on participatory research and agroecological transitions. In 2024, it managed the incubation of the GroundBreak Coalition, which works to build wealth in historically underserved communities through access to capital for homes, businesses, and commercial spaces.
Grantees’ own descriptions illustrate the range of organizations supported. The Minnesota Home Ownership Center says it works to build a more inclusive homeownership ecosystem, while the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund describes its mission as supporting strong communities and affordable homes through investments and partnerships. The U.S. Energy Foundation describes its focus as a clean and equitable energy future, and the Climate and Clean Energy Equity Fund says it builds community power for equitable climate action.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, McKnight made 790 grants totaling $145,891,450. Grant amounts ranged from $1,150 to $10 million, with a median of $100,000. The foundation reports granting over $150 million in 2025.
Among the largest 2024 awards were $10 million and $5 million to the Minneapolis Foundation for the GroundBreak Coalition special purpose fund; $9.6 million to the U.S. Energy Foundation for equitable Midwest decarbonization; $2.2 million to the Minnesota Home Ownership Center to help scale GroundBreak-supported down-payment assistance; and $2 million each to the Climate and Clean Energy Equity Fund for general operating support and to Rewiring America for equitable electrification work in the Midwest.
For grantseekers, McKnight advises reviewing the strategies and criteria for the relevant program. The website says eligible Arts & Culture organizations can apply directly, while individuals may apply through specified partner programs. Its funding FAQ says prospective applicants whose work fits the guidelines should first discuss their inquiry with program staff; staff will provide proposal-submission instructions if the foundation can consider funding. The 2024 filing directs applicants to attachments for application materials, deadlines, and award restrictions.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Theodore Staryk as Board Chair and Kathy Tunheim as Board Vice Chair. Other listed directors are Erika Binger, Noa Staryk, Karen Coleman, Dana Anderson, Luther M. Ragin, Meghan Brown, and Perry Moriearty. Erika Binger is also listed as Treasurer. Roger Sit is listed on the Investment Committee.
The McKnight Foundation is led by Tonya Allen, Director & President since 2024 (on filings since 2021); all 17 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Tonya Allen
Director & President
President → Director & President, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$654K (2021) → $740K (2024)
Theodore Staryk
Director & Board Chair
Director → Director & Assistant Treasurer, 2021
Director & Assistant Treasurer → Director & Board Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$25K (2020) → $35K (2024)
Dana Anderson
Director
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$25K (2020) → $25K (2024)
Erika Binger
Director & Treasurer
Director → Director & Treasurer, 2021
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$25K (2020) → $25K (2024)
Kathy Tunheim
Director & Board Vice Chair
Assistant Treasurer & Director → Director & Finance Committee Chair, 2021
Director & Finance Committee Chair → Director & Board Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$25K (2020) → $25K (2024)
Luther M Ragin
Director
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$25K (2020) → $25K (2024)
Meghan Brown
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$25K (2020) → $25K (2024)
Noa Staryk
Director
Director → Director & Board Chair, 2021
Director & Board Chair → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$25K (2020) → $25K (2024)
Perry Moriearty
Director
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
$25K (2020) → $25K (2024)
Karen Coleman
Director
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
$25K (2022) → $25K (2024)
Duchesne Drew
Director
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
$25K (2024)
john a powell
Director
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
$31K (2024)
Roger Sit
Investment Committee
Treasurer & Director → Director, 2021
Director → Investment Committee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$25K (2020) → $10K (2024)
Nichol Higdon
Secretary, Vice President of Finance & Ops
Vice President of Finance, Op & Secretary → Vice President of Finance, Ops & Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$303K (2021) → $394K (2024)
Michael Barry
Investment Committee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
$10K (2023) → $10K (2024)
Roy Swan
Investment Committee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
$10K (2023) → $10K (2024)
Tamara Wallace
Assistant Secretary
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$110K (2023) → $123K (2024)
Former officers (9)
- Former: David Crosby (2020–2023) — Investment Committee
- Former: Flannery Clark (2020–2023) — Assistant Secretary
- Former: Phyllis Goff (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Robert Struyk (2020–2023) — Investment Committee
- Former: Anne Binger (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Lee Sheehy (2020–2021) — Interim President
- Former: Deborah Landesman (2020) — Board Chair
- Former: Elizabeth McGeveran (2020) — Secretary
- Former: Pam Wheelock (2020) — Interim President
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $740K, to Tonya Allen (Director, President). 17 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The McKnight Foundation
How much does The McKnight Foundation give each year?
The McKnight Foundation gave $145.9M across 790 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $109.3M across 751 grants.
What is The McKnight Foundation's typical grant size?
The McKnight Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $100,000, and its average grant was $184,673, across 790 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The McKnight Foundation that year got $197K on average.
Where does The McKnight Foundation give grants?
The McKnight Foundation gives mostly in Minnesota: 58% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were California (9%) and District of Columbia (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Minneapolis, MN (202 grants), St. Paul, MN (151 grants), Washington, DC (45 grants) and New York, NY (21 grants).
Does The McKnight Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 41% of The McKnight Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (325 of 790) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "For 2024 Membership" (28 grants), "For program support" (11 grants) and "For Family-Directed Giving" (4 grants).
Who are The McKnight Foundation's largest grantees?
The McKnight Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Minneapolis Foundation ($16,600,000 across 8 grants), United States Energy Foundation ($9,600,000) and The McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience ($3,845,550 across 3 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($100,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 21% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The McKnight Foundation?
The McKnight Foundation reported $2.7B in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $182.2M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $129.8M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The McKnight Foundation fund?
McKnight’s mission is to advance a more just, creative, and abundant future where people and planet thrive. Its five primary program areas are Arts & Culture, Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems, Midwest Climate & Energy, Neuroscience, and Vibrant & Equitable Communities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The McKnight Foundation?
Review the relevant program’s criteria and, if the work fits, discuss the inquiry with program staff; proposal instructions are provided if the foundation can consider funding. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The McKnight Foundation's EIN?
The McKnight Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-0754835. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 18, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 20, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The McKnight Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Minnesota
The Minneapolis Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Minneapolis Foundation funds civic, social, and economic needs, including economic mobility, education, health, the environment, arts, and human services, with most grant dollars going to Minnesota. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. It says no funding opportunities are currently open; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,565
Total Given
$121.7M
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
St. Paul, MN
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation funds community-led work in areas including economic opportunity, health and human services, youth and education, housing, and organizational capacity. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,000; listed programs offer up to $50,000 for eligible East Metro work and up to $15,000 for qualifying Minnesota organizations. It accepts applications through specific programs, including rolling application opportunities; the Community Solutions Grant Program serves Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
1,473
Total Given
$107.2M
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
Otto Bremer Trust
St. Paul, MN
The Otto Bremer Trust funds organizations and projects addressing community needs and opportunities, including health care and social services, in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. In 2025, grants ranged from $3,500 to $4.2 million, with a median of $150,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests or direct grant applications; Community Responsive Fund grants are offered through selected intermediaries.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
180
Total Given
$57.2M
Target Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The foundation funds economic opportunity, including small business and entrepreneurship, workforce development, housing, asset building, and financial resilience, in the Twin Cities and Minnesota, across the U.S., and globally. Its 2025 grants ranged from $15,000 to $1 million, with a median of $100,000. National grants are by invitation only; the 2026 hometown cycle is closed, with the next cycle expected in Spring 2027.
Assets
$73.9M
Grants
125
Total Given
$23.1M
The Richard M Schulze Family Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation funds education, health care, and human services, including college scholarships, with most support benefiting working- and middle-class families in specified Minnesota and Florida counties; it also makes some national grants. Its 2024 grants had a median of $5,000, though awards ranged from $50 to $10 million. It plans to move to invitation-only grantmaking in 2027; whether it currently accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$218.3M
Grants
1,431
Total Given
$47.9M
More similar funders
More Funders in Minnesota
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The McKnight Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-mcknight-foundation-morg_9f7e7bd47d1047f4934618a729da0904
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_410754835_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The McKnight Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-mcknight-foundation-morg_9f7e7bd47d1047f4934618a729da0904},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The McKnight Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The McKnight Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?