The Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor is a distinguished recognition program presented by the McKnight Foundation in collaboration with the Minnesota Council of Foundations. This initiative aims to uplift and celebrate individuals who are instrumental in building a more caring, inclusive, and connected Minnesota. Since its inception in 1985, the award has acknowledged 326 individuals and is rooted in the legacy of Virginia McKnight Binger, the Foundation’s first board chair and the only daughter of its founders. The award was previously known as the Virginia McKnight Binger Awards in Human Service and later as the Unsung Hero Awards.
The award recognizes seven individuals annually, one from each distinct region of Minnesota, in alignment with the Minnesota Initiative Foundations’ regional framework. Each honoree will receive a $10,000 cash award in appreciation of their significant and often under-recognized contributions to their community and the broader state. The honor seeks to highlight the vital role of everyday champions who exemplify compassion and commitment in service to others.
Nominees must be current residents of Minnesota and cannot nominate themselves; nominations must be submitted by another individual. The ideal candidate is someone whose impactful work has not been widely awarded or recognized in the past. Eligible nominees must demonstrate one or more of the following criteria: making meaningful contributions toward a just and abundant future for Minnesota communities, advancing inclusivity and equity across the state, or bridging divides to cultivate deeper community connections.
The award submission period is currently open, and nominations are being accepted through May 15, 2025. The announcement encourages members of the public to recognize unsung heroes whose service and spirit reflect the values embodied by Virginia McKnight Binger. There is no indication of an additional application process or specific evaluation panel mentioned beyond the general award criteria, and there is no information about when the recipients will be publicly announced.
The McKnight Foundation, headquartered in Minnesota, is a private philanthropic organization committed to advancing a more just, creative, and abundant future where people and planet thrive. In addition to this honor, the Foundation operates a variety of grant programs and impact investing strategies aligned with their mission and values. Questions about the Heart of Community Honor can be directed through the contact information provided on the McKnight Foundation's website.
