A Vibrant Free Press
Colonel McCormick’s leadership in advancing and defending a free press continues through the Robert R. McCormick Foundation’s investments in journalism. Our goal is to strengthen and scale impactful reporting in Chicago and Illinois that increases government transparency, enhances accountability of decision-makers to their constituents, and ensures public investments are creating and supporting opportunities for all, especially Chicago’s South and West Side residents.
Since our first year of grantmaking in 1956, when the Foundation provided support to Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, we’ve remained committed to the vital role a robust free press plays in a healthy democracy.
Applications for funding are by invitation only. At this time, unsolicited letters of inquiry are not accepted.
Grants & Partners Since 2020
$15,925,000
The Foundation’s robust and longstanding commitment to a vibrant free press is reflected several high-impact journalism initiatives.
Illinois Solutions Partnership
In late 2021, the Foundation joined with the Better Government Association in creating the Illinois Solutions Partnership which investigates significant problems in Chicago and Illinois and seeks to offer the most comprehensive solutions-focused reporting in the state. The Partnership will inform, engage and mobilize residents, civic leaders and public officials to generate and implement changes that build an Illinois in which all communities can prosper.
Current Grantees
Block Club Chicago
The newsroom launched in 2018 and delivers daily, nonpartisan coverage of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods. It received a $1.6 million grant to build a six-person investigative team and deepen coverage of the city’s South and West Sides.
Capitol News Illinois
Covering state government daily for newspapers across Illinois since 2019, the news service received a $2 million grant to expand its editorial capacity and add more investigative and Chicago-based reporting. CNI also used the support to hire its first full-time fundraising position and start a team to diversify its revenue.
Injustice Watch
This nonpartisan journalism organization reports on equity and justice issues in the courts, particularly in Cook County. It received a $1.5 million grant to grow its editorial capacity, expand its audience, and build revenue.
Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism
The Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications provides support to several local news outlets. It received a $2.4 million grant to launch the Medill Local News Accelerator. The initiative spurs innovation and improves long-term sustainability of independent Chicago news organizations.
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McCormick Foundation Announces $7.5M Investment in Sustainable, Fact-Based Reporting
Medill’s Metro Media Lab Aims to Boost Local Journalism in Chicago
