The Chicago Public Education Fund

CHICAGO—Venture philanthropy group The Chicago Public Education Fund welcomed more than half a million dollars in major investments today, boosting the total fund to $9.5 million—and moving it closer to its $10 million goal.

Focused on improving school leadership through its venture capital model and portfolio of high-impact programs, The Fund is a highly-regarded vehicle for private-sector investment in Chicago’s public schools. It invests in a limited number of programs that recruit and develop high-quality teachers and principals.

Citadel Group Foundation made its first major investment in public education today with a $250,000 investment in The Fund, and Citadel President & CEO Ken Griffin joined The Fund’s board of directors, where he will lend his expertise to track the performance of investments and provide counsel to The Fund’s portfolio of high-caliber program management teams.

Founded in 1990 by Griffin, Citadel Investment Group has approximately 550 employees and currently manages approximately $8.5 billion in investment capital. Griffin is a member of the board of trustees for the Museum of Contemporary Art, and is a director of the Chicago Public Library Foundation. He graduated with honors from Harvard University with a B.A. in Economics.

“Ken is committed to ensuring that our students, our schools, and our city benefit from improved school leadership,” said Janet Knupp, president of The Fund. “Like all of our investors, they invest in The Fund because of its strong track record and measurable results.”

Also today, The Fund welcomed two new members to its 60-person Leadership Council, which is similar to an advisory board and approves The Fund’s strategy planning. The group, made up of corporate and civic leaders, will be joined by Morningstar Inc. Chairman & CEO Joe Mansueto, and Corn Products International Chairman & CEO Samuel C. Scott.

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As a venture capital fund for public education, The Chicago Public Education Fund is an unprecedented catalyst for improving school leadership and student achievement system wide. Launched by a group of corporate and civic leaders, The Fund brings private sector dollars and expertise to high-impact programs aligned with Chicago Public Schools priorities. Find out more at www.cpef.org.