McKnight Foundation Announces $7.2 Million for
Northwest Minnesota Foundation

BEMIDJI, MN - April 2008 - Northwest Minnesota Foundation will receive $7.2 million from the McKnight Foundation over five years to support NMF's programs, build the organization's endowment and support its development as a community foundation.

The pledge of $7.2 million reflects a commitment on the part of the McKnight Foundation toward NMF's goal of developing community assets in northwest Minnesota.

"We are very appreciative of the support we have received throughout our 21-year partnership with the McKnight Foundation," said Nancy Vyskocil, president of NMF. "We look forward to continued success, working together to meet the needs of northwest Minnesota through our Quality of Place strategies and our unique work as the sole community foundation in the region."

"We at McKnight are pleased to continue our partnership with the Northwest Minnesota Foundation," said McKnight President Kate Wolford. "We're delighted that Nancy Vyskocil hit the ground running this year, and is already building upon the foundation's legacy of skilled leadership.

"For over 20 years," Wolford added, "NMF has built prosperity and vitality throughout the state's northwest. By focusing resources through its Quality of Place initiative, NMF is developing community assets to make the entire region a better place to live and work. We are delighted to contribute to such creative and productive efforts."

The McKnight Foundation has been the primary supporter of NMF since it was founded as one of six Minnesota Initiative Funds in 1986. Since that time, McKnight has committed nearly $43.7 million to help NMF reach levels that are needed to continue grant programs, business development, and training of the region's adult and youth leaders. In addition, over $16.1 million from sources other than McKnight have been raised and distributed through NMF programs.

Since its inception, NMF has:

• Approved 3,185 grants for $17,524,283
• Established over 300 component funds and subfunds with assets totaling nearly $13.3 million
• Trained 6,577 adult and youth leaders and individuals in nonprofit management and diversity
• Made loans to businesses totaling $17,715,305
• Developed a general endowment in excess of $20.2 million

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a public charitable community foundation that invests resources, creates opportunities and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.