Grantseekers
The Foundation's Journalism Program provides grants in several priority areas: news leadership, youth voices, free speech and journalism education. For a detailed description of the Foundation's priorities and descriptions of recent grants, see
Areas of Support.
The McCormick Foundation welcomes requests for funding from nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions for initiatives that support the Journalism Program’s mission.
Before submitting a proposal, the organization should send a 2-3 page letter of inquiry that describes the nature, purpose and cost of the proposed program. The letter should also outline the need for the program and the qualifications of the organization. Foundation staff will then contact the organization and help them determine whether to submit a formal proposal.
All letters of inquiry should be sent either electronically to ASmith@McCormickFoundation.org or by postal mail to:
McCormick Foundation
Journalism Program
Attn: Aaron Smith
435 N. Michigan Avenue
Suite 790
Chicago, IL 60611
Deadlines
We accept letters of inquiry (LOIs) from organizations for three types of requests:
Grant request of $50,000 or more:
Requests greater than $50,000 must be reviewed by Board members at the Journalism Program’s annual board meeting in early September. The deadline for LOIs for more than $50,000 is
May 1.
Grant requests under $50,000:
LOIs requesting less than $50,000 are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed in February, April and November. We accept LOIs for this level throughout the year.
Specialized Reporting Institutes (SRIs):
LOIs for these intensive specialized training conferences for working reporters are reviewed in April and November. For more details and guidelines for SRIs, click here.
What We Do Not Fund
Production or distribution of TV or radio programming or documentaries
Scholarships for university studies
Grants to individuals
Personal research