Macy's North Awards Community Grants to Local Non-Profit Organizations.

CHICAGO -- Macy's North has awarded more than $92,000 to 44 local nonprofit organizations in the Chicago metro area through the division's community giving program Macy's Gives. The division also announced new programs during a ceremony honoring these organizations at Marshall Field's State Street store on Aug. 15.

Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations that fall under three areas: education, arts and culture, and health and welfare. A committee of associates at each Marshall Field's store reviewed each application, conducted site visits and thoroughly evaluated the applicants before selecting the grant recipients in their local community.

"Macy's is proud to carry on our legacy of giving in the local community and make our communities stronger, healthier and more vital," said Ralph Hughes, regional vice president of stores for Macy's North. "Our community grant program provides our associates with the opportunity to give back to their local community and play an important role in achieving our company's giving mission."

Grant applications were considered for both new and ongoing programs provided the program met Macy's North focus areas and funding guidelines. Macy's North supports organizations with IRS 501(c) (3) certification in the communities it serves. Grants are renewable based upon an evaluation of achieved results, continuing need and available funds.

Macy's North has extended community grants to the following organizations in Chicago:

--  Big Apple Circus                                  $1,500

--  Chicago Youth Program                             $3,500

--  Erie Family Health Center                         $2,000

--  Howard Area Community Center                      $1,500

--  Kalapriya Center/Indian Performing                $1,500

--  Lawndale Christian Health Center                  $1,500

--  Music Theater Workshop                            $2,000

--  Schwab Rehabilitation Center                      $2,000

--  The Children's Place                              $2,000

--  The Thresholds                                    $2,000

--  Pegasus Players                                   $1,500

--  Project Education Plus                            $4,000

--  Zephyr Dance Ensemble                             $3,000

--  Metropolitan Family Services                      $4,000

--  Centre East                                       $1,400

--  Zion Conservatory of Music                        $4,000

--  Countryside Association                           $1,300

--  CASA Lake County                                  $1,300

--  The Harbour, Inc                                  $4,000

--  Barrington Youth and Family Services              $3,000

--  Boys and Girls Club of Elgin                      $3,000

--  Metropolitan Family Services of DuPage            $1,000

--  NAMI of DuPage                                    $3,000

--  Turning Point                                     $3,000

--  Clearbrook                                        $1,000

--  Children's Advocacy Center                        $1,000

--  Shelter, Inc.                                     $1,000

--  Hephzibah                                         $2,000

--  Chicago House                                     $2,000

--  Adler Danztheatre                                 $2,000

--  Public Action to Deliver Shelter                  $2,000

--  Parenthesis                                       $2,500

--  People's Resource Center                          $1,000

--  Youth Conservation and Science                    $2,500

--  George Werden Buck Boys and Girls Club Joliet     $1,000

--  Southwest Community Services, Inc.                $1,000

--  Restoration Ministries, INC                       $2,500

--  Joliet Area Community Hospice, Corporation        $1,000

--  Easter Seals Joliet Region, Inc.                  $1,000

--  The Pearl Foundation, Inc.                        $2,500

--  Crisis Center for South Suburbia                  $3,000

--  Moose Heart School                                $2,500

--  Paramount Theater                                 $1,000

--  Living Well                                       $2,500

Macy's North also announced the first-ever Macy's Make It Happen Grants -- a new program that will provide financial and marketing support to assist small to mid-size nonprofit organizations launch new programs and initiatives that wouldn't be possible without funding and resources from other sources. Applications for this program will be available this fall.

Macy's North stores will participate in three Macy's storewide initiatives: Back to Books, a program in collaboration with Reading is Fundamental, which buys books for underserved children. Now through Sept. 9, customers can visit any kids department and donate $3 to purchase a book. In return, customers receive $10 off a $50 purchase.

In addition, the division will participate in the first-ever Macy's Give Back Day on Sept. 15, when associates at its headquarters in Minneapolis and Chicago will volunteer their time to make a difference throughout the communities in which they live.

Following Macy's Give Back Day, customers are invited to participate in Macy's Shop for a Cause, a national day of support for nonprofit organizations in local communities on Sept. 16. Customers who make a $5 donation at their local Macy's store or purchase a ticket from a participating organization will receive a ticket to save 20 percent or 10 percent off purchases all day at Macy's.

About Macy's Gives

Macy's believes in giving back to the communities in which we live and work. Macy's Gives, the community giving program at Macy's North, supports this commitment by encouraging charitable giving and employee volunteerism at the local level. Macy's North is involved in numerous giving initiatives throughout the year, including Glamorama, Macy's Day of Music and Macy's Go Read. Building on a longstanding history of community giving, Macy's Gives carries on the legacy of Marshall Field's, Dayton's and Hudson's with ongoing support of causes in education, arts and culture, and health and welfare. Macy's Gives is also increasing its focus on women's issues, HIV/AIDS, and programs that assist youth and minorities.

About Macy's North

Macy's, the largest retail brand of Federated Department Stores, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Colombia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Offering distinctive assortments including exclusive fashion and home brands, Macy's stores are operated by seven regionally based retail divisions - Macy's East, Macy's Florida, Macy's Midwest, Macy's North, Macy's Northwest, Macy's South, and Macy's West - and an online store at macys.com.

Macy's North is based in Minneapolis and operates 63 stores in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.