2024 Social Impact Report
Welcome!
Dear Friends, Partner Organizations, and Champions of DRW Community Investment -
I am delighted to present to you DRW’s 2024 Social Impact Report. In 2024, we celebrated 20 years of DRW’s philanthropic giving. Over the last two decades, as our firm has expanded to new markets, diversified our business, and rapidly grown in size, our organizational commitment to pursuing positive change and making an impact has remained steadfast.
At DRW, we are a team of innovative and ambitious individuals who use the power of free markets to solve challenging problems, capture opportunities, and pursue positive change. We bring this same mindset to our philanthropic efforts by supporting nonprofit organizations that promote growth, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact.
We understand that investing in communities is not just about providing resources; it’s about fostering transformative economic growth and stability. When we invest in education, career readiness, and opportunities in historically disinvested areas, we seek to disrupt systemic barriers so that individuals are given the space and resources to achieve their full potential. This, in turn, stimulates local economies, creating a ripple effect of prosperity and development. Thriving economies lead to stronger, more resilient communities, which is why this work is so important to DRW.
Our Community Investment team has partnered with organizations across several DRW locations to support local initiatives driving impact. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and collaboration of our leadership, partners, employees, and community members. Here are just a few highlights you’ll read more about in this report:
- Recapping our 2024 Giving Challenge, the most successful in DRW’s history
- Launching six multi-year gifts in 2024
- Launching our partnership with Future Frontiers in London
- Investing in the future of AI through a grant with CalTech
- Reducing food waste in Chicago through a partnership with Rescuing Leftover Cuisine
As we look ahead to the remainder of 2025 and beyond, our dedication to investing in education and workforce readiness remains stronger than ever. We are excited about the new opportunities on the horizon and the continued partnership with you to drive meaningful change. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and create a brighter future for all.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our mission. We invite you to explore the stories, data, and insights within this report and hope you will be as inspired as we are by what we have achieved.
Monica Grant CohenDirector of Community Investment
Our Pillars + 2024 Investments
Education
At DRW, we cultivate a culture of critical thought; we like solving problems and questioning what we think we know – Education enhances knowledge, critical thinking, and skill development, leading to better career opportunities and higher earning potential for individuals. On a broader scale, education spurs innovation and is vital for solving complex problems and advancing society.
Beat the Streets Chicago
Bottom Line*
California Institute of Technology
Chicago Scholars
College Possible
Kids First Chicago
MetroSquash*
Noble DRW College Prep
OneGoal
OWLS
Reading in Motion
Start Early
The Bloc*
Thrive Scholars
VOCEL
Community Resources
Investing in community resources is essential for fostering healthy, vibrant, and resilient communities that can adapt to challenges and thrive in the long term. We believe that a stable and supportive community environment is crucial for individuals to fully benefit from the educational and career development opportunities that we invest in.
Aspire
Everytown
Hyde Park Art Center
Make Momma Proud
Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club
Nourishing Hope
Open Books
Resilience
University of Chicago Financial Education Initiative
Future Workforce
Investing in career readiness and workforce development is a strategic approach to building a resilient and competent workforce. DRW prioritizes schools and organizations that are preparing diverse youth to pursue careers in finance and tech. At DRW, one of our values is respect – we know our work environment is diverse, and that diversity makes us stronger. We hold our work and each other in high regard, and as a leading trading firm, we believe it is incumbent upon us to invest in the future workforce.