McKnight Invests In Supportive
Environments for Artists

The McKnight Foundation's board of directors committed over $1 million to 19 organizations in Minnesota to ensure that artists have access to environments that encourage successful work.

"The action and vision artists pour into their work brings life and energy to our entire community," says Erica L. Binger, McKnight's board chair. "The foundation aims to promote the highest quality of life possible for Minnesota, and supporting thriving artists and arts communities is an indispensable part of that."

The foundation approved $1 million over four years to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts for building expansion. St. Paul's American Composers Forum, a composer service organization that links composers with diverse communities through workshops, residencies and commissions, received $150,000 over two years to support general operations. Southern Theater in Minneapolis received $100,000 over two years to provide a venue and support for dance and other performing arts.

The foundation awarded a total of 115 grants equaling $22,578,000 in its 2005 third-quarter grantmaking. Other notable grants in Minnesota:  

• St. Paul's Transit for Livable Communities received $235,000 over two years for general operations and to administer a federal non-motorized transportation pilot project. 

• The YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis received $700,000 over four years to provide children and families with the skills, knowledge and resources necessary for children to thrive and transition successfully to adulthood. 

• Jewish Community Action received $120,000 over two years to involve the Jewish community in social justice organizing throughout the metropolitan area.

A full list of grants awarded can be found on the McKnight Foundation Web site.

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