CHICAGO, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- At its December meeting, the Board of Directors of the McCormick Foundation approved grants to 13 nonprofit agencies. These fourth quarter grants support the Foundation's focus on its hometown and on encouraging citizens to become more active, informed and engaged. The Foundation, part of the legacy of former Chicago Tribune publisher Robert R. McCormick, has a long history of leadership in citizenship, journalism and early childhood education issues, both locally and nationally. These most recent grants are targeted directly at Chicago-area needs and reflect McCormick's ties to the city and its people. A complete listing of these fourth-quarter grants is provided below.

"Although Robert R. McCormick was a true citizen of the world, his heart, and his major contributions, were always in Chicago," said David L. Grange, president and chief executive officer, McCormick Foundation, "The McCormick Foundation is part of his legacy and, like McCormick, the Foundation seeks to improve civic health. We are proud to help fund these important initiatives and to be part of efforts to support our city, our communities, and our citizens."

2009 Program Grant Highlights

To ensure a national treasure remains relevant for generations to come, the McCormick Foundation granted $3 million to the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) (http://www.msichicago.org) for the U-505 (http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/u-505) exhibit. The U-505 is the only maritime vessel of its kind on display in the United States. The multi-year grant is part of "Science Rediscovered," a comprehensive campaign focused on updating and developing new exhibits for children that stimulate interest and learning. The grant allows MSI to establish a fund for the U-505 exhibit, purchase immediate replacement items, invest in enhancements and meet updated energy requirements. Col. Robert R. McCormick was one of the early advocates in bringing the German submarine to the people of Chicago, understanding that its story would inspire and teach important lessons about World War II, technology, political history and warfare to younger generations. To date, the McCormick Foundation has committed a total of $8 million to the U-505 exhibit.

Additionally, the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) (http://www.iit.edu) will receive a $400,000 grant over two years for the McCormick Scholarship Fund to support low-income students from Illinois. The grant will provide 20, $10,000 scholarships for IIT students affected by the current difficult economic conditions. The McCormick Foundation has been a long-time partner of IIT, and has invested more than $20 million since 1989 to transform student life as well as revitalize the South Side of Chicago.

To support our wounded soldiers and veterans, the McCormick Foundation granted $375,000 to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago (http://www.catholiccharities.net) for its veterans' programs, including St. Leo's Campus, a permanent supportive housing program for veterans with disabilities, Cooke's Manor, a transitional housing program for homeless veterans, and Bishop Goedert Residence for retired veterans. All three of these programs provide supportive services and linkage to their residents. The grant allows Catholic Charities to sustain the organization's current programs and develop new initiatives. It also honors the service and legacy of Col. Robert R. McCormick and his years of military service to the veterans of Illinois. Catholic Charities is also a long-time partner of the McCormick Foundation and remains at the forefront of innovative and effective interventions with Chicago's most vulnerable populations.

Below is the complete listing of the fourth-quarter grants approved by the McCormick Foundation's Board of Directors:

Special Initiatives Grants

Civic Institutions

1. Chicago Metropolis 2020 (Chicago) $250,000 For general operating support

2. Corporate Leadership Center (Chicago) $50,000 To support a nonprofit leader to participate in the CEO perspective program at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management

3. Metropolitan Planning Council (Chicago) $200,000 For general operating support over two years

Cultural Institutions

4. Chicago Children's Choir $75,000 For general operation support

5. Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago) $3,000,000 For multi-year maintenance of the U-505 submarine as part of the "Science Rediscovered" comprehensive campaign

Educational Institutions

6. Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory High School (Chicago) $100,000 For new building construction of the high school

7. Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (Chicago) $100,000 For renovation of a multipurpose space at the school

8. St. Martine de Porres High School (Waukegan, Ill) $100,000 For general operating support

9. Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago) $400,000 For student scholarships

10. Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (Alexandria, Va.) $200,000
For the Need-Based Scholarship program for children of marines residing in Chicago over 5 years

Social Service Institutions

11. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago $375,000 For veterans' programs

12. Communities in Schools of Chicago $200,000 For the Agency Impact Initiative

13. Hazelden Foundation (Center City, Minn.) $75,000 For the Chicago Bullying Prevention initiative

Grand Total $5,125,000

About the McCormick Foundation

The McCormick Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening our free, democratic society by investing in children, communities and country. Through its five grantmaking programs, Cantigny Park and Golf, and three world-class museums, the Foundation helps build a more active and engaged citizenry. It was established as a charitable trust in 1955, upon the death of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The McCormick Foundation is one of the nation's largest charities, with $1.2 billion in assets. For more information, please visit http://www.McCormickFoundation.org.

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