Inside Philanthropy - MacArthur Foundation Grants

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 OVERVIEW: The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s grantmaking spans a range of interests including climate change, democracy, criminal justice reform, programs in Nigeria, racial equity, the arts, journalism and more. MacArthur also participates in funding collaboratives in the larger Chicago area, where the foundation is based.

 IP TAKE: The MacArthur Foundation is an iconic funder that makes hundreds of grants per year. In recent years, MacArthur has been known for its “Big Bet” approach to grantmaking, as it directed significant funding to a small selection of causes. However, MacArthur’s current Big Bets are winding down and will formally end in 2026, as explored here by IP’s Mike Scutari. The foundation is expected to roll out information about new grantmaking interests in the coming years. Under the leadership of current president John Palfrey , MacArthur has increased its commitment to equity and DEI practices and has simplified its grant application and reporting processes. Often evolving quickly, one IP reporter noted that the MacArthur Foundation is “ no stranger to changing course .”

 In February 2025, the MacArthur Foundation announced that it is increasing its annual payout rate to “at least” 6% for the next two years in response to the “ crisis ” caused by the Trump administration’s freeze on federal grants and foreign aid. Citing “the cliff of funding from federal programs,” MacArthur President John Palfrey highlighted the threat to “decades of work and investment” in areas from the arts and culture to scientific research, and wrote, “The need for a surge in funding is plain. Philanthropy needs to step up. We at MacArthur believe it is time to tap our reserves to get more money flowing.” As IP’s Dawn Wolfe notes , MacArthur has moved with remarkable speed for a legacy foundation. Another newer focus area for MacArthur is supporting the “humane development of AI” and tracking the impacts of technology in general, including the algorithms that underlie social media and search engine disinformation.

 MacArthur is an accessible funder; it accepts letters of inquiry on a rolling basis, though the website cautions that very few grants are awarded as a result of unsolicited inquiries. Networking will be key here, as well as data, financials and a media presence that supports your claims. This funder is not only responsive to emerging and evolving issues, but it also plans, executes and disseminates structured evaluations of its grantmaking initiatives, using this information to inform future programs. The MacArthur Foundation remains committed to grantseekers, working hard to meet the current moment.

 PROFILE: With assets of over $8 billion, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is one of the biggest philanthropic organization

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