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Grant Guidelines

Please note: CME Trust will not accept unsolicited proposals in 2008 due to resource limitations. Please check www.cmetrust.com in early February 2009 for an update.

Program Focus

CME Trust's grants support nonprofit organizations, primarily in the Chicago region (the six-county metropolitan area), to:

  • Promote teaching and learning specific to financial markets futures and derivatives;
  • Promote the education of children and youth; and
  • Promote the health and well-being of children.

CME Trust 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 Trust frequently makes larger, multi-year grant commitments to well-established nonprofit organizations with a track record of success.

Education in Financial Markets

CME Trust 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.

Education for Children and Youth

CME Trust 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. CME Trust recognizes that children who achieve in school and are supported by healthy relationships and communities are better prepared for success over the life course. Grants are awarded to organizations that aim to produce measurable gains in academic achievement or positive social emotional development for at risk children and youth.

Healthy Development of Children

CME Trust supports efforts to improve the health of children. It awards grants to organizations that seek to promote the well-being of children who may be affected by, or are at risk of, developing challenging physical and mental health conditions. CME Trust has a particular interest in organizations that focus on preparing infants and children to be active learners.

General Guidelines

  • Grant applicants must have IRS 501© (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 Trust may defer consideration of the organization's proposal until a permanent replacement has been hired.
  • CME Trust 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 Trust funds, on results and the extent to which the outcomes have been achieved.
  • Grant recipients will be expected to publicly acknowledge the Trust's contribution and to provide opportunities for increased Trust visibility.
  • Grants are awarded in June and December.

What CME Trust will not fund

  • Grants to individuals;
  • Religious institutions seeking support for programs whose participants are restricted by religious affiliation or whose services promote a particular creed;
  • 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;
  • 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.

The Proposal Process

  • Organizations invited to submit a proposal will be given specific instructions regarding deadline, format and attachments.
  • CME Trust staff will contact the applicant for additional information and to arrange a site visit or meeting. Trustees may join staff for these meetings.
  • Trust 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, Trust staff must be notified.
  • Staff recommendations are reviewed and approved by the Trustees twice a year.
  • Applicants will be notified by phone or letter of the Trustees' decision.