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Virginia McKnight Binger - Heart of Community Honor 2026

Celebrating people who are the pulse of Minnesota’s caring and connected communities.

Do you know an inspiring individual who makes their community a much better place to be? Use this form to honor them by submitting a nomination for the 2026 Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor. Each honoree receives $10,000 in recognition of the significant impact they have had on the state of Minnesota and its communities.

Award Criteria
Eligible 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. 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. 
Only current residents of Minnesota are eligible.

Nominations Process
Please reach out to the Minnesota Council on Foundations with questions about this nomination form by emailing Cary Walski, member engagement manager, cwalski@mcf.org.
  • Nominations must be made by individuals other than the nominee.
  • Nominations will be accepted through May 15, 2026.
The Minnesota Council on Foundations is partnering with the McKnight Foundation to celebrate the Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honors.
1.Your Information(Required.)
2.Nominee Information(Required.)
3.Nominee Location (County)(Required.)
4.Nominee Organizational Affiliation(Required.)
5.Describe the efforts for which the individual is being nominated. Please provide specific examples of how the nominee has created change, removed barriers, and/or created a positive impact on Minnesota and its communities? (Limit: 500 words or about one page.)(Required.)
6.Two references: please list two references who can speak about this person.(Required.)
Before you click "Submit Nomination", here are a few good things to know about our selection process ...
  • Nominations will be accepted through May 15, 2026.
  • After nominations close, a selection committee will thoughtfully review all submissions and conduct reference calls for finalists.
  • In August, we will inform both nominators and nominees if a nomination has been selected for an award.
  • Award recipients will be publicly announced in November.
Because of the high number of nominations we receive each year, we are not able to provide individual updates throughout the review process. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

If your nominee is not selected, you are welcome and encouraged to nominate them again in the future. Thank you for helping us recognize people who are the heart of Minnesota’s caring and connected communities!

Please click the "Submit Nomination" button to complete your nomination.