Project H.O.O.D. Receives $8 Million Gift from McCormick Foundation

On February 1, 2023, Project H.O.O.D. announced receipt of an $8 millions matching grant from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. This gift from the McCormick Foundation is a historic philanthropic investment as it is one of their largest to a community-based organization. With this investment, the foundation has secured naming rights to the center. The Center will be named the Robert R. McCormick Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center.

According to Timothy Knight, President and CEO of the McCormick Foundation, “The Robert R. McCormick Foundation has invested in Chicago’s communities since 1955. We are committed to the premise that all Chicagoans deserve access to high quality educational and economic opportunities. Project H.O.O.D.’s ambitious goals for positive development in and beyond Woodlawn will serve Chicago’s South Side residents and advance the Foundation’s mission to build thriving communities. We are proud to partner with Pastor Brooks and his leadership team on this exciting project.”

The center will provide a variety of services and resources to help community members build skills, grow their businesses, and improve their financial stability.

“The McCormick Foundation has given Project H.O.O.D. the added momentum and credibility needed to continue our fight against violence, foster an environment for economic advancement, implement impactful community programs and raise the remaining $6.5MM to build the Leadership & Economic Opportunity Center” said Pastor Corey B. Brooks, Project H.O.O.D. CEO & Founder.