Investments

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Investing in Chicago’s Future

The McCormick Foundation invests to improve access to resources that children and their families need. Our belief is that their success in life should not be defined by geographic or demographic circumstance. Our investments give children greater opportunity to succeed, increase access to information individuals need to be engaged and informed residents, and empower leaders to deliver high-quality services with a lasting, positive impact on their communities. These investments are partnerships with organizations that have the experience, local knowledge, and inclusive relationships to propel their communities forward.

Applications for funding are extended by invitation only. At this time, unsolicited letters of inquiry are not accepted.

Investments

Key Investment Areas

All Investment Areas

$75.2M

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Englewood

$3M

Proud of their rich history and committed to improving quality of life in their community, Englewood residents have launched a number of initiatives to improve quality of life in the neighborhood. We are honored to partner with Teamwork Englewood and several organizations to lift up entrepreneurs, connect residents with jobs, help children succeed, and improve public safety.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Little Village

$3.7M

For nearly half a century, Little Village has been home to a robust Mexican American community. The rich cultural heritage runs through its businesses, restaurants, churches, institutions, and politics, strengthening the neighborhood. We are proud to partner with Enlace Chicago and to support numerous efforts to engage youth, improve health care access, stimulate business growth, and create accessible, supportive pathways to greater educational attainment.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

United Way

$2.7M

The United Way–McCormick Partnership for Strong Neighborhoods leverages the considerable resources of our two institutions to help select Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs improve from the “inside out.” Working alongside local leaders to help identify each communities’ priorities and create a resident-driven strategy, we provide significant financial assistance and operational support. The United Way Neighborhood Network communities include nine Chicago neighborhoods and four suburbs.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Community Capital

$3.4M

Chicago’s South and West Sides boast significant assets, from legacy commercial corridors to historic building stock. Through our community partnerships and civic relationships, the Foundation is uniquely positioned to identify and elevate compelling investment opportunities that generate add-on development. We also invest in human talent through entrepreneurship programs, business support services, and job training in Englewood and Little Village.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Public Safety

$3.2M

In alliance with community partners, we are investing in violence prevention and intervention across a continuum, from youth with limited opportunities to learn and grow to individuals with a history of gun violence. Our investments are tailored to each population and are confronting the root causes of the problem with the powerful antidotes of opportunity and hope, including workforce training, health care, and jobs.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Early Childhood Education

$5.1M

For 30 years, the Foundation has been investing to ensure all children, from birth through kindergarten, have access to the high-quality education they need to develop to their full potential. Beyond gains for the child, early childhood education is essential for families, is an advantage to businesses, and benefits communities in extraordinary ways.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Government Effectiveness

$890,000

The Foundation invests in organizations that promote accountability, transparency, and the effectiveness of public institutions, so that those institutions can be more inclusive, transparent, and accountable to the communities they serve.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Journalism

$5.5M

The Foundation is committed — always with an eye on innovation and agility — to the vital role a robust free press plays in a healthy democracy. We focus on investigative journalism that makes state, city, and county governments more transparent, enhances accountability, and ensures that public investments create and support opportunities for all.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Veterans

$3M

Active-duty members of our military transitioning to civilian life can face a daunting journey. We are dedicated to finding high-impact ways to support veterans and their loved ones in completing and maintaining a seamless transition to civilian life. Our work on military-to-civilian transition complements other Foundation support for veterans and their families, including Cantigny Park, the First Division Museum at Cantigny, and the Col. Robert R. McCormick Research Center at Cantigny.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Partnerships

$3.9M

The Foundation partners with dynamic organizations and through our combined efforts deliver even greater results. In addition to the United Way, we partner with WGN-TV, the Daily Herald, A Better Chicago, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Blackhawks, the Chicago Sports Alliance, and Northern Trust.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Special Initiatives

$10.9M

The Foundation makes grants for special initiatives proposed by the Board of Directors which generally support leading Chicago institutions and emerging projects that may extend beyond our specific portfolios.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Cantigny

$28.1M

Located on the Colonel’s former estate, Cantigny is an expression of the Foundation’s mission to offer educational and recreational opportunities to the public. More than 450,000 visitors a year enjoy gardens, natural areas, a golf complex, the First Division Museum, and year-round events across 500 acres in west suburban Wheaton.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Other Charitable Contributions

$1.8M

Mindful of Colonel McCormick’s charge to adapt to society’s changing needs, the Foundation often invests in opportunities that don’t fit neatly into geographic or subject categories but that show promise in supporting our broad goals or meeting an urgent or critical need in the communities we serve.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

All Investment Areas

$65.3M

The McCormick Foundation’s investments reflect our decades-long philanthropic legacy promoting early childhood education, journalism, and veterans, our support for Cantigny Park, and our partnership with vibrant organizations in Chicago’s Englewood and Little Village neighborhoods.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Englewood

$3.4M

Proud of their rich history and committed to improving quality of life in their community, Englewood residents have launched a number of initiatives to improve quality of life in the neighborhood. We are honored to partner with Teamwork Englewood and several organizations to lift up entrepreneurs, connect residents with jobs, help children succeed, and improve public safety.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Little Village

$4.1M

For nearly half a century, Little Village has been home to a robust Mexican American community. The rich cultural heritage runs through its businesses, restaurants, churches, institutions, and politics, strengthening the neighborhood. We are proud to partner with Enlace Chicago and to support numerous efforts to engage youth, improve health care access, stimulate business growth, and create accessible, supportive pathways to greater educational attainment.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

United Way

$2.7M

The United Way–McCormick Partnership for Strong Neighborhoods leverages the considerable resources of our two institutions to help select Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs improve from the “inside out.” Working alongside local leaders to help identify each communities’ priorities and create a resident-driven strategy, we provide significant financial assistance and operational support. The United Way Neighborhood Network communities include nine Chicago neighborhoods and four suburbs.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Community Capital

$1.8M

Chicago’s South and West Sides boast significant assets, from legacy commercial corridors to historic building stock. Through our community partnerships and civic relationships, the Foundation is uniquely positioned to identify and elevate compelling investment opportunities that generate add-on development. We also invest in human talent through entrepreneurship programs, business support services, and job training in Englewood and Little Village.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Public Safety

$3.6M

In alliance with community partners, we are investing in violence prevention and intervention across a continuum, from youth with limited opportunities to learn and grow to individuals with a history of gun violence. Our investments are tailored to each population and are confronting the root causes of the problem with the powerful antidotes of opportunity and hope, including workforce training, health care, and jobs.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Civic Education

$875,000

The Foundation invests in statewide curriculum policy, teacher professional development, and school-community partnerships to help youth to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be engaged citizens through equitable, high-quality, school-based civic learning opportunities .

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Early Childhood Education

$4.2M

For 30 years, the Foundation has been investing to ensure all children, from birth through kindergarten, have access to the high-quality education they need to develop to their full potential. Beyond gains for the child, early childhood education is essential for families, is an advantage to businesses, and benefits communities in extraordinary ways.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Government Effectiveness

$525,000

The Foundation invests in organizations that promote accountability, transparency, and the effectiveness of public institutions, so that those institutions can be more inclusive, transparent, and accountable to the communities they serve.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Journalism

$4.8M

The Foundation is committed — always with an eye on innovation and agility — to the vital role a robust free press plays in a healthy democracy. We focus on investigative journalism that makes state, city, and county governments more transparent, enhances accountability, and ensures that public investments create and support opportunities for all.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Veterans

$3.1M

Active-duty members of our military transitioning to civilian life can face a daunting journey. We are dedicated to finding high-impact ways to support veterans and their loved ones in completing and maintaining a seamless transition to civilian life. Our work on military-to-civilian transition complements other Foundation support for veterans and their families, including Cantigny Park, the First Division Museum at Cantigny, and the Col. Robert R. McCormick Research Center at Cantigny.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Partnerships

$3M

The Foundation partners with dynamic organizations and through our combined efforts deliver even greater results. In addition to the United Way, we partner with WGN-TV, the Daily Herald, A Better Chicago, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Blackhawks, and the Chicago Sports Alliance.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Special Initiatives

$10.4M

The Foundation makes grants for special initiatives proposed by the Board of Directors which generally support leading Chicago institutions and emerging projects that may extend beyond our specific portfolios.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Cantigny

$20.5M

Located on the Colonel’s former estate, Cantigny is an expression of the Foundation’s mission to offer educational and recreational opportunities to the public. More than 450,000 visitors a year enjoy gardens, natural areas, a golf complex, the First Division Museum, and year-round events across 500 acres in west suburban Wheaton.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Other Charitable Contributions

$2.3M

Mindful of Colonel McCormick’s charge to adapt to society’s changing needs, the Foundation often invests in opportunities that don’t fit neatly into geographic or subject categories but that show promise in supporting our broad goals or meeting an urgent or critical need in the communities we serve.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

All Investment Areas

$60.8M

The McCormick Foundation’s investments reflect our decades-long philanthropic legacy promoting early childhood education, journalism, and veterans, our support for Cantigny Park, and our partnership with vibrant organizations in Chicago’s Englewood and Little Village neighborhoods.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Englewood

$2.2M

Proud of their rich history and committed to improving quality of life in their community, Englewood residents have launched a number of initiatives to improve quality of life in the neighborhood. We are honored to partner with Teamwork Englewood and several organizations to lift up entrepreneurs, connect residents with jobs, help children succeed, and improve public safety.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Little Village

$2.7M

For nearly half a century, Little Village has been home to a robust Mexican American community. The rich cultural heritage runs through its businesses, restaurants, churches, institutions, and politics, strengthening the neighborhood. We are proud to partner with Enlace Chicago and to support numerous efforts to engage youth, improve health care access, stimulate business growth, and create accessible, supportive pathways to greater educational attainment.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

United Way

$1.8M

The United Way–McCormick Partnership for Strong Neighborhoods leverages the considerable resources of our two institutions to help select Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs improve from the “inside out.” Working alongside local leaders to help identify each communities’ priorities and create a resident-driven strategy, we provide significant financial assistance and operational support. The United Way Neighborhood Network communities include nine Chicago neighborhoods and four suburbs.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Community Capital

$2.1M

Chicago’s South and West Sides boast significant assets, from legacy commercial corridors to historic building stock. Through our community partnerships and civic relationships, the Foundation is uniquely positioned to identify and elevate compelling investment opportunities that generate add-on development. We also invest in human talent through entrepreneurship programs, business support services, and job training in Englewood and Little Village.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Public Safety

$3.2M

In alliance with community partners, we are investing in violence prevention and intervention across a continuum, from youth with limited opportunities to learn and grow to individuals with a history of gun violence. Our investments are tailored to each population and are confronting the root causes of the problem with the powerful antidotes of opportunity and hope, including workforce training, health care, and jobs.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Civic Education

$3.4M

The Foundation invests in statewide curriculum policy, teacher professional development, and school-community partnerships to help youth to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be engaged citizens through equitable, high-quality, school-based civic learning opportunities .

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Early Childhood Education

$5.6M

For 30 years, the Foundation has been investing to ensure all children, from birth through kindergarten, have access to the high-quality education they need to develop to their full potential. Beyond gains for the child, early childhood education is essential for families, is an advantage to businesses, and benefits communities in extraordinary ways.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Government Effectiveness

$1.6M

The Foundation invests in organizations that promote accountability, transparency, and the effectiveness of public institutions, so that those institutions can be more inclusive, transparent, and accountable to the communities they serve.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Journalism

$2.6M

The Foundation is committed — always with an eye on innovation and agility — to the vital role a robust free press plays in a healthy democracy. We focus on investigative journalism that makes state, city, and county governments more transparent, enhances accountability, and ensures that public investments create and support opportunities for all.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Veterans

$3.3M

Active-duty members of our military transitioning to civilian life can face a daunting journey. We are dedicated to finding high-impact ways to support veterans and their loved ones in completing and maintaining a seamless transition to civilian life. Our work on military-to-civilian transition complements other Foundation support for veterans and their families, including Cantigny Park, the First Division Museum at Cantigny, and the Col. Robert R. McCormick Research Center at Cantigny.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Partnerships

$1.3M

The Foundation partners with dynamic organizations and through our combined efforts deliver even greater results. In addition to the United Way, we partner with WGN-TV, the Daily Herald, A Better Chicago, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Blackhawks, and the Chicago Sports Alliance.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Special Initiatives

$9M

The Foundation makes grants for special initiatives proposed by the Board of Directors which generally support leading Chicago institutions and emerging projects that may extend beyond our specific portfolios.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Cantigny

$19.5M

Located on the Colonel’s former estate, Cantigny is an expression of the Foundation’s mission to offer educational and recreational opportunities to the public. More than 450,000 visitors a year enjoy gardens, natural areas, a golf complex, the First Division Museum, and year-round events across 500 acres in west suburban Wheaton.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Other Charitable Contributions

$2.7M

Mindful of Colonel McCormick’s charge to adapt to society’s changing needs, the Foundation often invests in opportunities that don’t fit neatly into geographic or subject categories but that show promise in supporting our broad goals or meeting an urgent or critical need in the communities we serve.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

All Investment Areas

$65.9M

The McCormick Foundation’s investments reflect our decades-long philanthropic legacy promoting early childhood education, journalism, and veterans, our support for Cantigny Park, and our partnership with vibrant organizations in Chicago’s Englewood and Little Village neighborhoods.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Englewood

$2.5M

Proud of their rich history and committed to improving quality of life in their community, Englewood residents have launched a number of initiatives to improve quality of life in the neighborhood. We are honored to partner with Teamwork Englewood and several organizations to lift up entrepreneurs, connect residents with jobs, help children succeed, and improve public safety.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Little Village

$2.5M

For nearly half a century, Little Village has been home to a robust Mexican American community. The rich cultural heritage runs through its businesses, restaurants, churches, institutions, and politics, strengthening the neighborhood. We are proud to partner with Enlace Chicago and to support numerous efforts to engage youth, improve health care access, stimulate business growth, and create accessible, supportive pathways to greater educational attainment.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

United Way

$1.7M

The United Way–McCormick Partnership for Strong Neighborhoods leverages the considerable resources of our two institutions to help select Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs improve from the “inside out.” Working alongside local leaders to help identify each communities’ priorities and create a resident-driven strategy, we provide significant financial assistance and operational support. The United Way Neighborhood Network communities include nine Chicago neighborhoods and four suburbs.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Community Capital

$1.6M

Chicago’s South and West Sides boast significant assets, from legacy commercial corridors to historic building stock. Through our community partnerships and civic relationships, the Foundation is uniquely positioned to identify and elevate compelling investment opportunities that generate add-on development. We also invest in human talent through entrepreneurship programs, business support services, and job training in Englewood and Little Village.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Public Safety

$3.8M

In alliance with community partners, we are investing in violence prevention and intervention across a continuum, from youth with limited opportunities to learn and grow to individuals with a history of gun violence. Our investments are tailored to each population and are confronting the root causes of the problem with the powerful antidotes of opportunity and hope, including workforce training, health care, and jobs.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Civic Education

$3M

The Foundation invests in statewide curriculum policy, teacher professional development, and school-community partnerships to help youth to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be engaged citizens through equitable, high-quality, school-based civic learning opportunities .

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Early Childhood Education

$5.2M

For 30 years, the Foundation has been investing to ensure all children, from birth through kindergarten, have access to the high-quality education they need to develop to their full potential. Beyond gains for the child, early childhood education is essential for families, is an advantage to businesses, and benefits communities in extraordinary ways.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Government Effectiveness

$1.4M

The Foundation invests in organizations that promote accountability, transparency, and the effectiveness of public institutions, so that those institutions can be more inclusive, transparent, and accountable to the communities they serve.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Journalism

$2.9M

The Foundation is committed — always with an eye on innovation and agility — to the vital role a robust free press plays in a healthy democracy. We focus on investigative journalism that makes state, city, and county governments more transparent, enhances accountability, and ensures that public investments create and support opportunities for all.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Veterans

$3.5M

Active-duty members of our military transitioning to civilian life can face a daunting journey. We are dedicated to finding high-impact ways to support veterans and their loved ones in completing and maintaining a seamless transition to civilian life. Our work on military-to-civilian transition complements other Foundation support for veterans and their families, including Cantigny Park, the First Division Museum at Cantigny, and the Col. Robert R. McCormick Research Center at Cantigny.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Partnerships

$1.8M

The Foundation partners with dynamic organizations and through our combined efforts deliver even greater results. In addition to the United Way, we partner with WGN-TV, the Daily Herald, A Better Chicago, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Blackhawks, and the Chicago Sports Alliance.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Special Initiatives

$9.1M

The Foundation makes grants for special initiatives proposed by the Board of Directors which generally support leading Chicago institutions and emerging projects that may extend beyond our specific portfolios.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Cantigny

$22.4M

Located on the Colonel’s former estate, Cantigny is an expression of the Foundation’s mission to offer educational and recreational opportunities to the public. More than 450,000 visitors a year enjoy gardens, natural areas, a golf complex, the First Division Museum, and year-round events across 500 acres in west suburban Wheaton.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Other Charitable Contributions

$4.4M

Mindful of Colonel McCormick’s charge to adapt to society’s changing needs, the Foundation often invests in opportunities that don’t fit neatly into geographic or subject categories but that show promise in supporting our broad goals or meeting an urgent or critical need in the communities we serve.

Click on an individual section to view more detail.

Teacher and students in early education classroom

Early Childhood Education

By engaging with children from birth through 5 years old, teachers and caregivers can bend the trajectories of young lives for the better, with benefits rippling out to the entire community.

Early Childhood Education
Shot of working skillful editor checking work of freelancers sit

Journalism

A robust, independent press is crucial for residents to stay informed and engaged, and lead efforts that advance the common good.

Journalism

Thriving Communities

In committing to Englewood, Little Village, and the United Way Neighborhood Network, we support concerted efforts to deliver a profound and lasting impact.

Thriving Communities

Chicago Sports Franchises Continue Alliance in Support of Solutions Addressing Gun Violence in Chicago

The Chicago Sports Alliance (CSA), a collaboration between the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs and White Sox established in December 2017, announced the continuation of…
Luis Gonzalez, Erie Neighborhood House

Luis Gonzalez, Erie Neighborhood House

The oldest of three siblings in a family with immigrant parents, Luis has felt pressure to succeed. The high school senior has received mentorship in…
Endy Salgado and Aldo Vazquez, New Life Centers

Endy Salgado and Aldo Vazquez, New Life Centers

Endy enjoyed being physically active as a youngster. Most of all, he loved to run—every minute of every day. So when Epifanio Diaz of New…