Venture Capital
The Chicago Public Education Fund is venture capital for public education. Every four years, we raise a series of funds and invest in high-impact programs and outstanding management teams focused on improving the quality and performance of principals and teachers.
Our Venture Capital Model The Chicago Public Education Fund applies principles of venture capital to make systemic improvements in education, with a focus on talent and leadership in our schools. Our approach is further defining a burgeoning field of private sector investment in public education, and is being studied by America’s top business schools as a model of innovation in philanthropy. READ MORE
Human Capital +
The Fund values collaboration. Our Board of Directors and management team regularly build and cultivate strategic relationships in order to leverage dollars, effect policy, and create sustainable, systemic impact. From Chicago Public Schools and Mayor Richard M. Daley to our portfolio program partners and advisory councils, The Fund has created a network of individuals and organizations highly invested in what we do and how well we do it.


News
Chicago Public Education Fund leader bowing out
 Chicago Tribune The chief executive officer of the Chicago Public Education Fund, a private charity that has raised $50 million for programs aimed at improving the city's schools, is leaving her post this summer.
The Chicago Public Education Fund Announces its Founding President and CEO Intends to Leave Janet Knupp to depart this summer after leading three successful funds The Fund announced today that Janet Knupp, the organization’s founding president and chief executive officer, intends to leave her position this summer. As the organization works to complete its third fund, Knupp believes the time is right for her to embark on the next phase of her professional career and pursue other interests. Meanwhile, she has committed to staying with The Fund to steward its current strategic initiatives through completion and to support the organization’s leadership transition process. Please click here to read the full statement.
Bridging differences Catalyst Chicago Founding President and CEO Janet Knupp is quoted in Catalyst’s March cover story "Bridging differences," about the growing emphasis on cultural competence for urban teacher candidates. The article highlights The Fund's investment in a teacher screening tool to support principals as they make critical hiring decisions for their schools. To read the full article, click here.
Penny Pritzker’s Latest Challenge: Helping Fix Public Schools
 Stanford Knowledgebase Penny Pritzker, The Fund’s chairman, delivers a heartfelt speech about her work reforming public schools after winning the Ernest C. Arbuckle Award for excellence in the field of management leadership at Stanford University Graduate School of Business. A Chicago businesswoman, civic leader, and philanthropist, Pritzker became the 41st recipient of the award, which recognizes a commitment to managerial excellence and addressing the changing needs of society. To read more, please see this article.


Watch
The Fund: Venture Capital for Education The Fund’s officers and investors explain our unique model WATCH VIDEO
The Fund: A Track Record of Results What The Fund has achieved to improve the quality of human capital WATCH VIDEO
The Fund’s Board: Great Power, Great Responsibility A profile of The Fund’s highly engaged and results-focused directors WATCH VIDEO
U.S. Education Secretary Duncan and The Fund U.S. Education Secretary remarks on his previous history and partnership with The Fund WATCH VIDEO
The Chicago Public Education Fund
200 West Adams Street, Suite 2150
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone:312.558.4500
Fax:312.558.4506
E-mail:info@thefundchicago.org