The nation's leader in youth financial education
The SIFMA Foundation is dedicated to fostering knowledge and understanding of the financial markets for individuals of all backgrounds.
Financial education for every student
The SIFMA Foundation is the nation's leader in youth financial education, filling critical gaps for communities nationwide since 1977. Through a portfolio of acclaimed programs, we have helped more than 23 million young people and their teachers and families become financially prepared for life and access the benefits of the capital markets.
Our online investing simulations and standards-based personal finance curriculum engage 750,000 young people every year. Roughly 90% of participants attend public schools, and nearly half of those schools qualify for federal assistance.
Drawing on the support and expertise of the financial industry, we provide programs and tools that strengthen economic opportunity across communities and increase awareness of, and access to, the benefits of the global marketplace.
Our approach
Business, government and education together
Multi-sector partnerships open pathways for young people to learn about finance, explore careers and meet role models.
Every teacher can teach investing
Professional development, mentorship and classroom visits by financial experts reach about 20,000 teachers and schools each year.
In school, after school and beyond
A network of national and local youth organizations brings financial education to rural, high-poverty and hard-to-reach communities.
Since 1977
The Stock Market Game begins. It has since grown from a paper-based stock-picking contest into an online trading platform with bonds, mutual funds, ETFs and a full curriculum.
InvestWrite and the Capitol Hill Challenge launch, adding writing and civics to the game.
Learning Point Associates, now the American Institutes for Research, runs a FINRA-funded randomized study of the game in nearly 600 classrooms.
Schools from every congressional district take part in the Capitol Hill Challenge.
Invest It Forward launches to connect financial professionals with classrooms.
The Foundation marks its 40th anniversary.
The Charles Schwab Foundation pledges a three-year, $1.2 million grant for the Capitol Hill Challenge. A national survey finds 74% of parents would switch schools for financial education.
Family InvestQuest launches for families, and the Tribute Dinner marks 49 years of the Foundation's work.
Leadership
The Foundation has a staff of about 15 in New York and works with Stock Market Game coordinators in every state.
2026 Board of Directors
- Richard DalyChair · Executive Chairman, Broadridge Financial Solutions
- Lisa HuntVice Chair · EVP, International Services, Charles Schwab
- Lawrence ThomasVice Chair · Private Investor
- Todd DiganciTreasurer · EVP, CFO & CAO, FINRA
- Melanie MortimerSecretary · President, SIFMA Foundation
- James AllenVice Chairman, Robert W. Baird & Co.
- Lisa BleierManaging Director, Associate General Counsel, SIFMA
- Ken CellaPrincipal, Head of External Affairs, Edward Jones
- Bryan ChristianHead of Business Development, Symphony
- Vanessa CookseyPresident & CEO, Regional Arts Commission, St. Louis
- David DawkinsManaging Director, Wells Fargo Advisors
- Kristen KimmellEVP, Business Development, Osaic
- Evan LaHutaManaging Director, BNY Mellon | Pershing
- Joseph SweeneyPresident, Advice & Wealth Management, Ameriprise Financial
- Susan ThederChief Marketing & Experience Officer, FMG Suite
An independent affiliate of SIFMA
The SIFMA Foundation is an affiliated organization of SIFMA, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, and an independently funded charitable organization. Hundreds of SIFMA member firms support the Foundation with funding and volunteers.
Visit sifma.org ↗The Foundation publishes audited financial statements, IRS Form 990 filings, its board list and its supporters list each year.
Reports →Work with us
Partner with the SIFMA Foundation to bring financial education to more classrooms.