The Chicago-based McCormick Tribune Foundation has announced grants totaling more than $7 million to organizations throughout the nation, including nearly $1.2 million to local organizations, as part of its communities program.

Grants awarded by the foundation in the Chicago included $165,000 to Shelter, Inc. to support services for the homeless, and $245,000 to Misericordia Home/Heart of Mercy Center for initiatives assisting developmentally disabled children and adults. The foundation also awarded grants totaling $212,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Country and Chicago Youth Centers for outreach programs.

"Our communities program has performed as a successful model for ten years now, and its continued development will stimulate new dollars and philanthropic efforts with the help of our partners," said foundation president Richard A. Behrenhausen. "This quarter we will make significant grants in housing and youth-centered initiatives."