The Robert R. McCormick Foundation recently announced it plans to increase financial support for the "Why News Matters" initiative. Over the next three years, the organization plans to fuel its work with $6 million, including $1 million in initial grants for 11 organizations. The foundation's work aims to keep 21st century citizens literate in news and journalism despite the deluge of information that's published every day on the internet and social networking sites.

Recipients of the first round of grants include Project Exploration for an after-school program that combines science educations and news literacy, Illinois Humanities Council to stimulate discussions in local neighborhoods about news literacy and current affairs and the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana to support news literacy workshops that provide experiential learning opportunities.

"'Why News Matters' grantees will bring an entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit as we expand the reach and impact of news literacy," said David Hiller, president and CEO of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. "Together, we can foster a healthy, 21st century democracy grounded in a free press and informed, active citizenry."

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