McCormick Tribune Foundation Board Approves Close to $2 Million in Education Program Grants
CHICAGO, Sept. 30, 2005
The McCormick Tribune Foundation, today announced its board of directors approved grants of more than $1.8 million to four education programs benefiting early childhood learning initiatives throughout Chicago and Illinois. The grantees this year include groups that promote accreditation or reaccredidation of early childhood education programs, public awareness and public policy.
“The McCormick Tribune Foundation remains strongly committed to supporting quality early care and education,” said David L. Grange, president and chief executive officer, “because we believe it is one of the best ways to improve the quality of life for at-risk children. This quarter our board voted to support education grantees that have made significant progress in improving and expanding learning opportunities for children birth to age five in Illinois.”
Striving to provide enriched, high-quality educational experiences for preschoolers, the foundation provided a significant grant to Big Shoulders Fund. The grant supports the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation for 22 preschools and maintains the accreditation for 43 other preschools.
The foundation has also awarded substantial funding to the Erikson Institute to launch the Herr Research Center for Children and Social Policy. The first-of-its kind center will produce original research to help develop public policies that support early childhood care and education in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.
The following organizations received grants through the education program:
- Big Shoulders Fund ($250,000)
- Dolores Kohl Education Foundation ($520,000)
- Erikson Institute ($950,000)
- Voices for Illinois Children, Inc. ($150,000)
About the McCormick Tribune Foundation
The McCormick Tribune Foundation is one of the nation’s largest charitable organizations, with combined assets of approximately $1.5 billion. In 2004, the foundation approved the distribution of more than $109 million to invest in children, communities and our country in an effort to strengthen our democratic society through innovative partnerships. The foundation, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2005, was established as a charitable trust upon the death of Col. Robert R. McCormick, longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The foundation is an independent nonprofit, separate from Tribune Co., with substantial holdings in Tribune Co.
The foundation provides assistance in four program areas — communities, education, journalism and citizenship — and funds a special initiatives program. Through its grants, the foundation seeks to improve the social and economic environment; encourage a free and responsible discussion of issues affecting the nation; enhance the effectiveness of American education; and stimulate responsible citizenship. For more information, visit http://www.mccormicktribune.org/.
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