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.
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.

Photo credit: MacArthur Foundation
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.