Grant will support MPC’s Regional Action Agenda over next two years
(Chicago) …. In honor of
Robert R. McCormick’s commitment to making the
Chicago
metropolitan region a better place to
live, the McCormick Tribune Foundation awarded the Metropolitan Planning Council
a $300,000 grant, to be paid out over two years, in support of the Council’s
Regional Action Agenda: Toward a More Livable Future.
“This grant directly aligns with the Colonel’s vision to
make Chicago a better place to live,” said Richard A. Behrenhausen, president
and chief executive officer of the McCormick Tribune Foundation. “This grant
will assist in strategic planning for growth including land use, housing, green
space and transportation
– which will benefit the diverse communities
in
and out of the
city.”
The Council’s Regional Action Agenda encompasses MPC’s work as part of the
Campaign for Sensible Growth, Business Leaders for Transportation, and the A+
Illinois campaign for comprehensive statewide education funding and tax
reform; MPC’s community building initiative with local communities; efforts
to improve transportation funding and planning; and expansion of affordable housing
options for working families, including such innovative programs as
employer-assisted housing.
Since
1982, when the McCormick
Tribune Foundation – then the Robert R. McCormick Charitable Trust – began
its relationship with MPC, the foundation has contributed some $1,155,000 to
the Council.
“For more than
two decades, the McCormick
Tribune Foundation has been a generous and steadfast partner,” said MPC
President MarySue Barrett. “We are grateful for the foundation’s continuing support
of our regional work; without it, we could not have accomplished all
that we have over the years.”
The McCormick Tribune Foundation is one of the nation’s
largest charitable organizations, with combined assets of close to $2 billion.
In 2004, the foundation approved the distribution of more than $109 million to
invest in communities, address human needs, and promote the ideals of a
democratic society through innovative partnerships. The foundation, which
celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2005, was first established as a charitable
trust upon the death of Col. Robert R. McCormick, longtime editor and publisher
of the Chicago Tribune. 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/.
Founded in 1934, MPC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan group of business and civic
leaders committed to serving the public interest through the promotion and
implementation of sensible planning and development policies necessary for a
world-class Chicago region. MPC conducts policy analysis, outreach and advocacy
in partnership with public officials and community leaders to improve equity of
opportunity and quality of life throughout the metropolitan Chicago.