Robert R. McCormick Foundation

Robert R. McCormick Foundation

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation was created in 1955 by the will of Colonel Robert R. McCormick. Timothy P. Knight, previously CEO of Tribune Publishing, serves as President and CEO while Carla Beal holds the roles of Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer. The foundation allocates across private equity through limited partner positions in Adams Street Partners and Madison Dearborn Partners. It holds direct real assets that include the 500-acre Cantigny Park valued at $65 million, the McCormick House, a 27-hole golf course, and the First Division Museum collection. All activity remains within the United States, with historical exposure to Canadian timberland. Assets total $1.65 billion. The foundation maintains a subordinate vehicle, the Cantigny Foundation, established in 1989 to operate the park and museums with annual support of $28 million. No additional offices or headcount figures appear in available records. Events in 2023 included sponsorship of Emergency Preparedness Days at Cantigny Park and the Purple Tie Ball. The structure separates grant-making from asset operations through the Cantigny Foundation subsidiary, which holds title to the park properties and runs public programs independently of the parent trust.