Frequently Asked Questions - MacArthur Foundation

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class="mac-modal-action end-xs"> <a class="mac-btn mac-btn-solid-blue" href="https://macfound.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new" aria-labelledby="Login or Create Account" target="_blank">Login or Create Account </a> </div> <button class="mac-modal-close mac-modal-exit"> <img src="/img/cross.svg" alt="close"></button> </div> </div> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/css/header.css" />  <input type='hidden' value='/about/' id='active-navbar-element'/><nav aria-label="breadcrumb"> <ol class="breadcrumb"> <li class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="/about/" tabindex="-1">About</a></li><li class="breadcrumb-item active" aria-current="page">Foundation FAQs</li></ol> </nav> <main class="">   <section class="mac-container mac-hero-banner"> <article class="mac-row"> <article class=""> <h1 class="pb-2">Foundation FAQs</h1> <div class="mac-hero-banner--caption center-xs pb-4 mac-container"> <div class="mac-row center-xs"> <div class="mac-col-md-8 mac-col-lg-8 mac-col-xs-12 mac-col-sm-12 ">Answers to common questions.</div> </div> </div> </article> </article> </section>  <section> <article class=" pt-lg-5 pb-lg-5"> <div class="mac-container"> <div class="mac-row center-xs"> <div class="mac-col-md-10 mac-col-xs-12 mac-col-sm-12"> <div class="funding-faq mac-accordion-wrapper mac-accordion-wrapper-top"> <div class="mac-accordion"> <div class="mac-accordion-item white-bg mb-2"> <button class=" remove-style top-level-button" aria-expanded="true"> <span class="mac-accordion-title black-txt fbold">Frequently Asked Questions</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content mac-fellows-faq"> <div class="funding-faq mac-accordion-wrapper"> <div class="mac-accordion"> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="true"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">What is the MacArthur Foundation?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur is placing a few big bets that truly significant progress is possible on some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including revitalizing <a href="/programs/bigbets/local-news/">local news</a>, advancing global <a href="/programs/bigbets/climate-solutions/">climate solutions</a>, decreasing <a href="/programs/bigbets/nuclear-challenge/">nuclear risk</a>, promoting local <a href="/programs/bigbets/criminal-justice/">criminal justice reform</a> in the U.S., and <a href="/programs/bigbets/on-nigeria/">reducing corruption</a> in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria. In addition to our award programs <a href="https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/">MacArthur Fellows</a> and <a href="https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/100change/"><em>100&Change</em></a>, the Foundation continues our historic commitments to the role of <a href="/programs/enduring-commitments/journalism-media/">journalism</a> in a responsible and responsive democracy and to the strength and vitality of our headquarters city, <a href="/programs/enduring-commitments/chicago-commitment/">Chicago</a>.</p> <p>MacArthur is one of the nation's largest independent foundations. Since our founding in 1978, we have supported organizations that work in 117 countries. In addition to Chicago, MacArthur has offices in <a href="/about/offices/macarthur-in-india">India</a> and <a href="/about/offices/macarthur-in-nigeria">Nigeria</a>.</p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">Who were John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>John Donald MacArthur (1897-1978) was one of the three wealthiest men in America at the time of his death and was sole owner of the nation's largest privately held insurance company, Bankers Life and Casualty Company of Chicago. He also owned extensive property and several businesses in Florida and New York City. His wife Catherine Teresa MacArthur (1909-1981) was John's partner in life and business. She held positions in many of his companies and served as a director of the Foundation.</p> <p><a class="wrap_p mac-link btn-arrow" href="/about/our-history/about-the-macarthurs">About John and Catherine MacArthur <span class="arrow-right"> <img src="/img/icon-leftarrow.svg" alt="Right Arrow"/> </span> </a></p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">Are they related to General Douglas MacArthur?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>No, there is no relation between General Douglas MacArthur and John D. MacArthur.</p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">Why did they decide to start a foundation?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>The MacArthurs’ longtime friend and attorney William T. Kirby advised John that a foundation would allow his money to go to good use long after he was gone. On October 18, 1970, the documents for the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation were completed. When John died of cancer on January 6, 1978, the Foundation assumed his assets, estimated at $1 billion.</p> <p>John left the question of what to fund to MacArthur’s first Board of Directors. In less than a year, the Board began to award grants.</p> <p><a class="wrap_p mac-link btn-arrow" href="/about/our-history/">About our history <span class="arrow-right"> <img src="/img/icon-leftarrow.svg" alt="Right Arrow"/> </span> </a></p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">What does a foundation do?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>In the United States, private foundations are charitable organizations that provide grants to organizations or individuals working to address social challenges. Foundations can operate locally, nationally, or internationally and have the flexibility to choose where to work and what to support. Private foundations act independently of any private business and of the United States government; they receive no government support. Many private foundations, like MacArthur, have endowments that are the sole source of funds for the grants they make.</p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">What is a grant?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>A grant is an award of financial support that serves a charitable purpose. It can be provided for a specific project or general operations. It can be awarded to an individual or to an organization.</p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">How does the MacArthur Foundation decide which grants to award?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>MacArthur makes grants to advance our mission and program goals. Drawing on the knowledge of our Staff and experts in the field we formulate specific strategies that guide decisions about how and where our funding can have significant impact. These strategies are reviewed and adjusted over time. For up-to-date strategies, funding priorities, grantmaking guidelines, and our evaluation for learning, explore <a href="/programs/">our Programs</a>.</p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">What does MacArthur support?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>MacArthur supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. Our grants are generally long-term, strategic investments, that build evidence about what works and advance solutions to often intractable problems.</p> <p>We make grants that address a range of issues across our <a href="/programs/bigbets/">Big Bets</a>, <a href="/programs/awards/">Awards</a>, <a href="/programs/enduring-commitments/">Enduring Commitments</a>, and <a href="/programs/field-support/">Field Support</a>. To learn more about our current areas of work, view more about <a href="/programs/">our Programs</a>.</p> <p><a class="wrap_p mac-link btn-arrow" href="/grants/info-for-grantseekers">Our grant guidelines <span class="arrow-right"> <img src="/img/icon-leftarrow.svg" alt="Right Arrow"/> </span> </a></p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">What does “committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world” mean?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>Our <a href="/about/mission-and-values">mission and values</a> guide how we conduct ourselves and relate to grantees, partners, and communities.</p> <ul class="global-list-item"> <li>The world is more just when actions are inclusive, and fair, where past and present barriers are removed to provide equitable access, treatment, consideration, and opportunity.</li> <li>The world is more verdant and abundant when the planet and its people flourish.</li> <li>The world is more peaceful when people are free from fear, conflict, violence, and war.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">Where does MacArthur make grants?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>MacArthur has global reach. Since 1978, we have supported organizations that work in 117 countries.</p> <p>Our U.S. grantmaking impacts nearly every state in the nation. In addition, we have an enduring commitment to Chicago, which is our headquarters and the city John and Catherine MacArthur called home.</p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">What is the MacArthur Fellowship?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>The <a href="/programs/awards/fellows/">MacArthur Fellowship</a> is a five-year, “no strings attached” grant to individuals who show exceptional creativity and the promise and potential for future advances based on a track record of significant accomplishment. The fellowship is designed to provide recipients with the flexibility to pursue their creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations in the absence of specific obligations or reporting requirements. There are no limits on age or area of activity.</p> <p><a class="wrap_p mac-link btn-arrow" href="/programs/awards/fellows/">About the MacArthur Fellowship <span class="arrow-right"> <img src="/img/icon-leftarrow.svg" alt="Right Arrow"/> </span> </a></p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">Can I apply or nominate someone for a MacArthur Fellowship?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>Individuals cannot apply for the MacArthur Fellowship, and unsolicited nominations are not accepted.</p> <p>Nominees are put forth through a constantly changing pool of invited external nominators chosen from as broad a range of fields and areas of interest as possible. Nominators, evaluators, and selectors all serve anonymously, and their correspondence is kept confidential. This policy enables participants to provide their honest impressions, independent of outside influence.</p> <p><a class="wrap_p mac-link btn-arrow" href="/programs/awards/fellows/">About the MacArthur Fellowship <span class="arrow-right"> <img src="/img/icon-leftarrow.svg" alt="Right Arrow"/> </span> </a></p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">What does MacArthur not fund?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>The Foundation does not support political activities or attempts to influence action on specific legislation. We do not provide scholarships or tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate studies; nor do we support annual fundraising drives, institutional benefits, honorary functions, or similar projects.</p> <p><a class="wrap_p mac-link btn-arrow" href="/grants/info-for-grantseekers">Learn more about applying for a grant <span class="arrow-right"> <img src="/img/icon-leftarrow.svg" alt="Right Arrow"/> </span> </a></p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">Does the MacArthur Foundation make grants to individuals?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>Only the <a href="/programs/awards/fellows/">MacArthur Fellows</a> Program and the <a href="/programs/enduring-commitments/chicago-commitment/advancing-leadership/">Leaders for a New Chicago</a> award provide grants to individuals. The MacArthur Fellows program does not accept applications. For more information on Leaders for a New Chicago, consult the <a href="https://fieldfoundation.org/generalguidelines/leadership/leaders-new-chicago">Field Foundation’s guidelines</a>.</p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">How does MacArthur recognize or respond to statements made by the individuals and organizations it supports?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>The MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. We respect the right of the individuals and organizations we support to share their views, in alignment with their work and values, and consistent with their First Amendment rights. The Foundation’s support does not suggest, however, that the Foundation endorses or condones statements made by our grantees or investees. When the Foundation chooses to make an institutional statement on issues pertinent to its work, we do so through a carefully considered policy approach approved by our Institutional Policy Committee and Board. Consistent with these principles, the Foundation will ordinarily not comment on or take action in response to a grantee’s or investees’ statements but will on occasion issue comment notably if such a statement risks inciting violence or hatred.</p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">How can my organization apply for MacArthur funding?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>Many areas of MacArthur grantmaking do not accept unsolicited proposals. We encourage you to read our <a href="/grants/info-for-grantseekers">grantmaking guidelines</a> carefully to assess whether you might be eligible for MacArthur support before you apply.</p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">How much money do you award in grants?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>Our grantmaking totals vary year-to-year. In 2023, the Foundation paid out $318 million in grants and program-related investments to organizations and individuals in the United States and around the world. Since 1978, the Foundation has awarded more than $8 billion through grants and impact investments to more than 10,000 organizations and creative individuals. For the most up-to-date numbers, view our <a href="https://www.macfound.org/about/financials/">Financials</a>.</p> <p><a class="wrap_p mac-link btn-arrow" href="/about/financials/">Our financial overview <span class="arrow-right"> <img src="/img/icon-leftarrow.svg" alt="Right Arrow"/> </span> </a></p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">How does MacArthur raise the funds it needs to make grants?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>The Foundation draws on the endowment left by John and Catherine MacArthur to support our charitable work. We invest the endowment and give away a portion of it each year.</p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">Does MacArthur accept donations?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>The Foundation does not solicit contributions. We hope that individuals and organizations interested in making contributions will support our grantees or other public charities in the fields in which we work.</p> <p>In limited circumstances, however, we may accept donations. This could include, for example, a case where a donor wishes to make a substantial donation because our programs directly meet their interests, and the donor prefers we exercise oversight over the use of the funds. Acceptance of proposed donations and the terms will be determined based on the circumstances of each case. Persons interested in making substantial donations should contact <a href="/about/people/joshua-j-mintz">Joshua J. Mintz</a>, Vice President and General Counsel of the Foundation.</p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">Does MacArthur receive government funding?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>No, we do not receive government funding. Private foundations like MacArthur act independently of any private business and of the United States government. MacArthur’s endowment is the sole source of funds for the grants we make.</p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">What is the size of MacArthur’s endowment?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>As of December 31, 2023, MacArthur's assets totaled roughly $8.3 billion.</p> <p><a class="wrap_p mac-link btn-arrow" href="/about/investments/">Our investment summary <span class="arrow-right"> <img src="/img/icon-leftarrow.svg" alt="Right Arrow"/> </span> </a></p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">Where is the Foundation located?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>Chicago is MacArthur’s headquarters, with offices in New Delhi, India and in Abuja, Nigeria.</p> <p>Our Chicago offices are in the historic Marquette Building, located at 140 S. Dearborn Street. Completed in 1895, the Marquette Building is a Chicago Landmark, a National Historic Landmark, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.</p> <p><a class="wrap_p mac-link btn-arrow" href="http://marquette.macfound.org/">About the historic Marquette Building <span class="arrow-right"> <img src="/img/icon-leftarrow.svg" alt="Right Arrow"/> </span> </a></p> <p><a class="wrap_p mac-link btn-arrow" href="/about/contact-us">Our contact information <span class="arrow-right"> <img src="/img/icon-leftarrow.svg" alt="Right Arrow"/> </span> </a></p> </div> </div> <div class="mac-accordion-item"> <button aria-expanded="false"><span class="mac-accordion-title ">How can I get a job at MacArthur?</span> <span class="icon" aria-hidden="true"></span> </button> <div class="mac-accordion-content"> <p>We post our <a href="/about/employment">open positions online</a>. Due to the number of applications received, we are unable to respond to phone inquiries regarding the status of our recruiting. Due to the limited number of employment opportunities available at the Foundation, we have compiled a <a href="/about/philanthropy-nonprofit-employment-resources">list of resources</a> that may help individuals exploring a career in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </section>  <section class="mac-container article-content "><article class="mac-row flex-center2 pt-4 pb-2 " id=""> <div class="mac-col-md-4 mac-col-lg-4 mac-col-sm-12 mac-col-xs-12 mac-col-md-offset-1 mac-col-lg-offset-1 mb-xs-2 mb-sm-2"> <h3><strong>Note to Media</strong></h3> </div> <div class="mac-col-md-6 mac-col-lg-6 mac-col-sm-12 mac-col-xs-12 mb-3"> <p class="f23">Members of the media seeking comment from the Foundation or to interview a MacArthur staff person, should call MacArthur Communications at (312) 917-3690 or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#aac1c7cbc9c1eac7cbc9ccc5dfc4ce84c5d8cd" class="text-underline">Kristen Mack</a>.</p> </div> </article></section> </main>  <footer> <section class="mac-container pb-lg-5"> <div class="footer mac-row"> <div class="mac-col-md-3 mac-col-xs-12 mb-sm-3 mb-xs-3 footer-list-items"> <h4>Discover</h4> <ul> <li><a href="/about/" target="_self">About</a></li> <li><a href="/whatsnew/" target="_self">What's New</a></li> <li><a href="/programs/" target="_self">Programs</a></li> <li><a href="/grants/" target="_self">Grants</a></li> <li><a href="/learning/" target="_self">Learnings</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="mac-col-md-3 mac-col-xs-12 mb-sm-3 mb-xs-3 footer-list-items"> <h4>Connect</h4> <ul> <li><a href="/about/#ourOffices" target="_self">Our Offices</a></li> <li><a href="/about/information-for-media" target="_self">Press & Media</a></li> <li class="social-icons pt-1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/macarthurfdn" target="_blank" aria-label="link to facebook"><i><img src="/img/icon-facebook.svg" alt="facebook" caption="false" width="16" height="16" /></i></a> <a href="https://x.com/macfound" target="_blank" aria-label="link to twitter"><i><img src="/img/icon-x-logo.png" alt="X" caption="false" width="16" height="16" /></i></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/macarthur-foundation/" target="_blank" aria-label="link to Linkedin"><i><img src="/img/icon-linkedin.svg" alt="LinkedIn" caption="false" width="16" height="16" /></i></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/macfound/" target="_blank" aria-label="link to instagram"><i><img src="/img/icon-instagram.svg" alt="Instagram" caption="false" width="16" height="16" /></i></a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/macfound" target="_blank" aria-label="link to youtube"><i><img src="/img/icon-youtube.svg" alt="You Tube" caption="false" width="23" height="16" /></i></a> <a href="https://medium.com/@macfound" target="_blank" aria-label="link to medium"><i><img src="/img/icon-medium.svg" alt="Medium" caption="false" width="20" height="16" /></i></a> <a href="https://www.threads.net/@macfound" target="_blank" aria-label="link to threads"><i><img src="/img/icon-threads-logo-white.png " alt="Threads" caption="false" width="14" height="16" /></i></a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="mac-col-md-6 mac-col-xs-12 mb-sm-3 mb-xs-3"> <h4>Stay Informed</h4> <div class="sign-up-form"><form action="/newsletters/" method="GET" aria-label="Email Signup"><label class="caption pb-1 f18" for="signUp">Sign up for periodic news updates and event invitations.</label> <input type="email" name="email" id="signUp" placeholder="Email Address (Required)" required="" /> <div class="btn-links mt-2"> <ul> <li><a href="/about/our-policies/privacy-policy">Privacy Policy</a></li> </ul> <input type="submit" placeholder="Submit" class="mac-btn mac-btn-border-white mt-xs-2 mt-sm-2 ml-auto" aria-label="submit" /></div> </form></div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="footer__bottom pt-1 pt-2 pb-2"> <div class="mac-container"> <div class="mac-row"> <div class="mac-col-md-6 mac-col-xs-12 mac-col-sm-6 footer__copyright"> © 2025 John D. and Catherine T. 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