News Release
at The Chicago Public Education Fund
Susan Woodward, Director of Development & Communications
(312) 558-4516

March 24, 2006

The Fund is honored for communications excellence
Venture philanthropy earns its second top award for annual report, Bronze Award for web site

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CHICAGO—For the second year in a row, The Chicago Public Education Fund won the Gold Award for excellence in communications from the Council on Foundations today for its annual report. The Fund also earned a Bronze Award in the web sites category.

More than 250 entries were submitted for this year's Wilmer Shields Rich Awards, which recognize effective communications efforts to increase public awareness of foundations and corporate giving programs. The Fund was honored in the category for community and public foundations with assets of between $5 million and $20 million. Last year The Fund won for similar foundations with assets of less than $5 million.

"The work submitted by The Fund demonstrates its commitment to public accountability and effective communications and serves as a model of excellence for other grantmakers," said Steve Gunderson, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations.

In addition, judges praised The Fund's report and its web site for their "fantastic content" and organization. One judge said The Fund's report "could be a model for other foundations."

The Fund invests dollars and ideas in high-impact programs and initiatives that improve student achievement in Chicago's public schools. To date, it has invested more than $10 million and leveraged more than $45 million in additional public and private support.

"Our venture philanthropy model allows us to leverage money and talent, enabling us to generate greater returns for our investors," said The Fund's president, Janet Knupp. "And throughout all of our work, we place a high value on transparency. These awards are fulfilling recognitions of that commitment."

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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.

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