Ken Griffin makes $3B ‘historic’ gift to Carnegie Mellon

Citadel CEO Ken Griffin expanded his philanthropic efforts, committing a record $3 billion gift to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), including $2 billion to develop its Miami campus.

The university says it is the largest individual gift in higher education history. Griffin’s estimated net worth is $57.5 billion.

His effort reflects his broader push to establish the city as a growing center for finance and technology. Griffin relocated to Miami in 2022 and moved Citadel’s headquarters from Chicago to the city.

Citadel often hires graduates from CMU’s Pittsburgh school.​

Once fully operational, the new campus is expected to support more than 3,500 students with programs centered around global issues such as climate resilience and national security.

As part of the pledge, Griffin will join the university’s board of trustees.

The massive contribution tops Griffin’s previous major academic donations, which include $300 million to Harvard University in 2023 and $125 million to the University of Chicago in 2017.

Griffin is ramping up his efforts to bring more talent and companies into Miami. The city now costs more to live in than New York.

He’s also putting $2.5 billion into Citadel’s Miami campus.