McCormick Foundation Invests $5 Million in Chicago Initiatives Addressing Civic Health and...( CHICAGO Jan. 9 /- At its December...),Health

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
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