CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - March 07, 2016) - The Robert R. McCormick Foundation announced nearly $6 million in grants to support organizations committed to strengthening democracy and enhancing civic engagement in Illinois. Illinois Center for Civic Education ($100,000) a one-year grant for support of the Illinois Center for Civic Education's We the People and Project Citizen programs.
"We believe that when citizens have the news and information they need and are able to engage with effective government institutions, our democracy can thrive," said John Sirek, Director of the Democracy Program at the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. "With the hard work and commitment of these grantees, we feel that the future of Illinois' civic life looks bright."
In addition to investing in these programs, the McCormick Foundation, along with other statewide philanthropic and corporate organizations, have been working hard to ensure civic education is once again a priority Illinois schools. Recently, the Foundation helped lead a successful legislative effort to require Illinois high school students to complete a semester-long civics course to graduate. The new requirement takes effect on July 1, 2016, and applies to incoming freshmen for the 2016-2017 school year.
"By equipping young people with civic knowledge and skills we can help prepare the next generation to take the reins and become active and effective participants in the civic life of our community," said David Hiller, President and CEO of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
"We believe that when citizens have the news and information they need and are able to engage with effective government institutions, our democracy can thrive," said John Sirek, Director of the Democracy Program at the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. "With the hard work and commitment of these grantees, we feel that the future of Illinois' civic life looks bright."
In addition to investing in these programs, the McCormick Foundation, along with other statewide philanthropic and corporate organizations, have been working hard to ensure civic education is once again a priority Illinois schools. Recently, the Foundation helped lead a successful legislative effort to require Illinois high school students to complete a semester-long civics course to graduate. The new requirement takes effect on July 1, 2016, and applies to incoming freshmen for the 2016-2017 school year.
"By equipping young people with civic knowledge and skills we can help prepare the next generation to take the reins and become active and effective participants in the civic life of our community," said David Hiller, President and CEO of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
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