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MacArthur Foundation

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The MacArthur Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation focused on advancing a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world through grantmaking, impact investments, fellowships, and institutional support. The foundation funds creative individuals, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and mission-driven initiatives working across climate solutions, democracy, journalism, criminal justice reform, technology and society, global security, and community development.

Known globally for the MacArthur Fellows Program, often referred to as the “Genius Grants,” the foundation combines long-term systems thinking with bold investments designed to address complex social and environmental challenges.

Key benefits

  • Global Grantmaking Leadership

    Supports nonprofit organizations, researchers, and institutions tackling major global social and environmental challenges.

  • MacArthur Fellows Program

    Recognizes and funds exceptionally creative individuals making transformative contributions across disciplines.

  • Big Bet Initiatives

    Deploys large-scale philanthropic capital toward climate, democracy, AI accountability, journalism, and justice reform.

  • Catalytic Impact Investing

    Combines grants and mission-driven investments to accelerate long-term systems change and innovation.

Investment thesis

The MacArthur Foundation invests in creative people, effective institutions, and bold ideas capable of driving systemic social and environmental change. Its philanthropic strategy centers on supporting long-term solutions to major global challenges through grants, fellowships, catalytic capital, and impact investments.

The foundation prioritizes initiatives that strengthen democracy, advance climate solutions, improve public interest technology, support local journalism, expand economic opportunity, and protect human rights. MacArthur combines enduring commitments with large-scale “Big Bets” designed to accelerate transformative progress across society.

Frequently asked questions

What does MacArthur Foundation fund?
The MacArthur Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation focused on advancing a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world through grantmaking, impact investments, fellowships, and institutional support. The foundation funds creative individuals, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and mission-driven initiatives working across climate solutions, democracy, journalism, criminal justice reform, technology and society, global security, and community development. Known globally for the MacArthur Fellows Program, often referred to as the “Genius Grants,” the foundation combines long-term systems thinking with bold investments designed to address complex social and environmental challenges.
What is MacArthur Foundation's check size?
Varies
What is MacArthur Foundation's investment thesis?
The MacArthur Foundation invests in creative people, effective institutions, and bold ideas capable of driving systemic social and environmental change. Its philanthropic strategy centers on supporting long-term solutions to major global challenges through grants, fellowships, catalytic capital, and impact investments. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that strengthen democracy, advance climate solutions, improve public interest technology, support local journalism, expand economic opportunity, and protect human rights. MacArthur combines enduring commitments with large-scale “Big Bets” designed to accelerate transformative progress across society.
Which sectors does MacArthur Foundation invest in?
AI & Technology, Arts, Culture & Media, Climate Tech, Community Development, Environment & Conservation

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