ESG Newsletter

The McKnight Foundation was established in 1953 by William L. McKnight, ex-CEO of 3M. Today, the family foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations in the Minnesota area and beyond. In 2013, the McKnight foundation decided to invest in impact strategies and mission related investments, in addition to its grant-making program. As of Q4 2018, the foundation was investing a third of its $2.3 billion endowment in strategies aligned with its values.

The McKnight foundation's impact investing strategy requires alignment with three of the grant-making program's goals: transition to a low carbon economy, reducing agricultural pollution in the Mississippi River, and contributing to a thriving and sustainable Minnesota. Their investment portfolio is composed of a High-Impact Investments portfolio which includes program-related investments, direct private debt and equity deals, and an aligned investment portfolio which is invested in public equities and bonds.

Statement of Investment Policy