CME Group Foundation's grants support nonprofit organizations, primarily in the Chicago region (the six-county metropolitan area), to:
- Promote research, teaching and learning specific to financial markets futures and derivatives;
- Promote the education of children and youth; and
- Promote the health and education of young children.
CME Group Foundation support is determined more by initiatives it decides to undertake in its three program areas (described below) and less by unsolicited proposals. In order to achieve long-term impact, the Foundation frequently makes larger, multi-year grant commitments to well-established nonprofit organizations with a track record of success.
CME Group Foundation funds academic institutions to conduct research on various aspects of financial markets, and to develop innovative programs in finance and risk management. Grants in this area seek to ensure the continuing vitality of Chicago as the global center of commodities and derivatives trading, one that contributes to expanding financial markets worldwide.
CME Group Foundation makes grants to schools and nonprofit organizations to deliver high quality educational and enrichment services to disadvantaged children and youth in schools and community settings. The Foundation has a particular interest in economics and financial education for students in grades K - 12. Grants are awarded to organizations that aim to produce measurable gains in academic achievement and prepare at risk youth for success in college.
CME Group Foundation supports efforts to improve the health and development of young children through age five. Specifically, CME Group Foundation supports programs that enable at risk infants and young children to be active learners, promote positive social emotional development of very young children and those that focus on early math learning.
Occasionally small grants may be given for projects of special interest to the Foundation Directors outside the Foundation’s three program areas. These grants will account for no more than ten percent of total giving annually.
- Grant applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, have been in operation for three years and have paid staff.
- Organizations seeking support should have an active governing board and support from the community.
- Applicant organizations should be fiscally sound, as well as efficiently and ethically managed.
- The organization or its leaders should have demonstrated by past accomplishment an ability to successfully implement programs.
- All grant recipients will be equal opportunity employers and will operate their programs in a manner supportive of equal opportunity objectives.
- The proposed activity should not needlessly duplicate other activities or programs.
- If an interim executive director is in place, the Foundation may defer consideration of the organization’s proposal until a permanent replacement has been hired.
- CME Group Foundation generally makes grants to support specific projects with measurable results and rarely makes general operating support, capital or endowment grants.
- Grant recipients must provide a written report on the use of CME Group Foundation funds, on results and the extent to which the outcomes have been achieved.
- Grant recipients will be expected to publicly acknowledge the Foundation’s contribution and to provide opportunities for increased visibility of CME Group Foundation.
- Grants are awarded in June and December.
- Grants to individuals;
- Organizations that discriminate in regards to disabilities, age, gender, race, ethnic origin, religion or sexual orientation;
- Organizations that devote a substantial portion of their activities to attempting to influence legislation or to participating in campaigns on behalf of candidates for public office;
- Organizations not in compliance with all applicable anti-terrorist financing and asset control laws, regulations, rules and executive orders, including but not limited to, the USA Patriot Act of 2001 and Executive Order No. 13224;
- Operating deficit reduction or existing debt liquidation;
- Benefit events and advertising for fundraising purposes;
- Tax generating entities (municipalities, school districts, etc.) for services within their normal responsibilities; and
- More than one request or active grant from an organization or its affiliates at a time.
- Organizations invited to submit a proposal will be given specific instructions regarding deadline, format and attachments.
- CME Group Foundation staff will contact the applicant for additional information and to arrange a site visit or meeting. Foundation Board members may join staff for these meetings.
- Foundation staff will review the proposal including possibly contacting other organizations or individuals about the organization.
- If there are significant changes to an organization’s leadership, financial situation or capacity during the proposal process, Foundation staff must be notified.
- Staff recommendations are reviewed and approved by the Foundation Board of Directors twice a year.
- Applicants will be notified by phone, email or letter of the Board’s decision.
