One of the unique features of CMI in the Indian context is that its funding comes from diverse sources, both public and private. This has given the Institute the freedom to organize its activities in a manner that is best suited to achieving its goal of excellence in research and teaching.
The Institute receives substantial support for its activities from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), through the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM).
The Institute also receives generous contributions from the private sector. During the formative years of the Institute, the Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation (SPIC) has been a major source of funding and infrastructural support for CMI. Currently, the Shriram Group Companies, Chennai play a crucial role in providing and organizing private funding for the Institute.
The land for CMI's campus at Siruseri was acquired through a grant from the Shriram Group Companies. Major financial contributions towards building up the campus have come from Matrix Laboratories, Hyderabad, the Chennai Willingdon Corporate Foundation, Take Solutions, Chennai, the Infosys Foundation, Bangalore and Tata Consultancy Services. A new building with an auditorium, guest rooms, hostel rooms and additional office space is currently being constructed with funds from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) via the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The Institute received a major grant for the period 2006-2009 from the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The Institute also received a generous three year grant from Tata Consultancy Services from 2008-2011 to support academic activities. In addition, Microsoft Research has provided substantial support annually through research and travel grants.
CMI also receives funding for research projects, both from government agencies as well as from private organizations.