Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor Grant

Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The McKnight Foundation
Amount: US $10,000
Last Updated: March 30, 2026

Summary

The Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor, presented by The McKnight Foundation, recognizes seven unsung champions from Minnesota for their remarkable contributions to local communities. Each honoree receives a $10,000 award in acknowledgment of their impactful work, fostering compassion and connectivity. This honor celebrates the legacy of Virginia McKnight Binger, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, creativity, and community engagement in building a better future for all Minnesotans.

Overview

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 our communities, and who inspire others to join in creating a more caring and connected state.  Each honoree receives $10,000 in recognition of the significant impact they have had on the state of Minnesota and its communities. About the Awards Originally called the Virginia McKnight Binger Awards in Human Service and later the Unsung Hero Awards, the honor has recognized 326 people since it was first presented in 1985. The honor is named for Virginia McKnight Binger, the Foundation’s first board chair and the only daughter of McKnight’s founders. Mrs. Binger passed away in 2002, and this award helps us remember and celebrate her enduring legacy of compassion, humility, and generosity.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Award CriteriaEligible nominees have had a considerable impact in their community or across the state and have not been widely recognized or awarded for their efforts in the past. We will honor one individual from each distinct region across the state, in alignment with our Minnesota Initiative Foundations partners. Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following criteria:Contributes significantly to creating a more just, creative, and abundant future for their community or other communities in Minnesota through their work or service.   Builds a more inclusive and equitable Minnesota where everyone, regardless of the color of their skin, the zip code of their birth, or who they love, belongs and has the opportunity to thrive.   Bridges across divides to foster understanding and strengthen meaningful community connections and benefits.  Nominations must be made by individuals other than the nominee. Only current residents of Minnesota are eligible.