Cme Group Foundation
CME Group Foundation, created in 2008 and endowed by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Trust, is the corporate foundation of CME Group that advances the economy by supporting education from cradle to career. The website presents the foundation's mission, grant programs and recipients, grant guidelines, news and newsletters.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Established education- or youth-focused organizations (particularly in Illinois) with programs in early learning, STEM, college/career pathways, scholarships, or city-level partnerships and an existing or potential relationship to the foundation or its network.
Good Fit
- • Chicago- or Illinois-based education or youth development programs.
- • Programs aligned to cradle-to-career, STEM, or scholarship initiatives.
- • Existing partnership or introduction to a trustee, staff member, or corporate sponsor.
- • Track record of measurable impact and capacity for multi-year or program-scale grants.
- • Participation in citywide collaboratives or initiatives the foundation already supports.
Geography
Grantmaking is heavily Illinois-focused (about 79% of dollars) while still funding organizations across roughly 16 states; the footprint is state-centered with some national partnerships.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows a broad portfolio—148 grants to 130 distinct recipients—with modest top-recipient concentration (top five ≈22%) and a mix of returning and new grantees, indicating a diversified recipient set.
New Applicants
The foundation expressly requires invitation-only submissions and declares it does not accept unsolicited proposals; although new recipients do appear each year, the public evidence indicates entry is primarily by selection or relationship rather than open application.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
