The McKnight Foundation has approved a two year grant of $127,000 to the Southwest Minnesota Arts & Humanities Council.  The grant includes up to $5,000 per year to match new or increased donations to SMAHC in 2007 and 2008.  McKnight funds enable SMAHC to provide grants to individual artists, schools and local arts organizations, present conferences and conduct strategic planning.

In fiscal year 2007, revenue from a State allocation and The McKnight Foundation constituted almost 77% of SMAHC’s total budget.  With decreasing population and uncertain funding levels from the State, it is essential for SMAHC to increase efforts to expand its funding base from other sources in order to provide increased financial stability. 

“We believe that our membership base is an essential part of our structure and we are excited about the opportunity to increase that base.    This dollar-for-dollar match of new and increased donations to SMAHC has the potential of increasing our revenue by $20,000 over a two year period,” said Greta Murray, Executive Director of SMAHC. 

Read the McKnight Challenge Update Report

All new memberships and increased memberships will be matched by the McKnight Foundation.

Join SMAHC now to take advantage of this matching grant.

If you are a current member, please consider increasing your membership level.

Click here to go to the SMAHC Membership Form

ABOUT THE MCKNIGHT FOUNDATION

The McKnight Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life for present and future generations through grantmaking, coalition-building, and encouragement of strategic policy reform. Founded in 1953 and independently endowed by William L. McKnight and Maude L. McKnight, the Minnesota-based Foundation has assets of approximately $2.2 billion and granted about $93 million in 2006. Program information and full grant descriptions are available at www.mcknight.org.