The Robert R. McCormick Foundation journalism program offers grants to support efforts to inform and engage citizens to create a healthy democracy. To apply for grants of more than $50,000, letters of inquiry are due May 8.

In a recent post, journalism program director Clark Bell wrote: "Our $5.5 million in annual grantmaking is... designed to build a more informed, news literate and engaged citizenry. Our goal is to increase the level of civic engagement by strengthening the quality of journalistic content, helping audiences become smart new consumers and promoting an open and free environment in which journalism can flourish.

"As a result, we shifted much of our portfolio to a 'demand-side' approach to grantmaking and away from a 'supply-side' strategy. We still support mid-career training for news media professionals, investigative reporting, community news, youth media, press freedoms and other areas that bolster the field of journalism in a time of transition. Rather than shape grantmaking around the life cycle of a journalist, we now emphasize news literacy and its critical role as a catalyst for informing and engaging citizens."

McCormick's signature journalism grant program is Why News Matters, intended to enhance news literacy skills and programs in Chicago. The foundation expects to invest as much as $6 million in this program through 2015. McCormick also funds projects elsewhere in the U.S.

To apply, first read McCormick's journalism grantmaking guidelines. Then follow the letter of inquiry instructions.

Proposals for grants of less than $50,000 can be submitted anytime throughout the year.