MacArthur Foundation

🎉 Today we announce a $100M grant commitment to nonpartisan orgs and coalitions defending the essential elements of our democracy, including protecting fair and safe elections, civic freedoms, and the rule of law. “Democracy thrives when people are informed, engaged, and feel like their voices matter,” says our President, John Palfrey. Learn more ⬇️ macfound.org/press/press-re…

"The desire for a democracy that works for everyone is not a partisan pursuit." @BridgespanGroup recently shared how funders can bolster their efforts to strengthen democracy by investing in pluralism. Read some of their insights at @npquarterly ⬇️ nonprofitquarterly.org/philanthropy-f…

For 250 years, Americans have shown up for each other through neighbors helping neighbors, communities rallying around a cause, and foundations investing in what matters most. That tradition is alive and well across our nation. Explore the stories. #GenerosityBuilds 🔗 generositybuilds.org

Last month, the Chicago Cultural Alliance (CCA) bestowed the Cultural Investment Award to the MacArthur Foundation! Tara Magner, Director of our Chicago Commitment program, accepted the award on behalf of the Foundation at CCA's 2026 Mosaic Gala, which was held at Epiphany Center for the Arts.

Congratulations to the 79th Street Renaissance Festival on being recognized with the MacArthur Foundation 2026 Creative Places Award at the Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards! Since 2005, the Festival has lit up Auburn Gresham with a celebration of the neighborhood’s culture, creativity, and aspirations. Learn about its history and impact ⬇️ macfound.org/press/grantee-…

“This is America. People pitching in, offering a meal, caring for one another, sharing solidarity.” Our President, @JPalfrey, with Tonya Allen of @McKnightFdn and Deepak Bhargava of Freedom Together Foundation, writes that The Courage Project has shown the kind of country America can be. Full story in @Philanthropy ⬇️ philanthropy.com/opinion/what-f…

🎉 Congratulations to @KathyIm2 on receiving the 2026 @AAJA Changemaker of the Year award! Kathy, Director of our Journalism and Media program, was honored for her exceptional leadership and impactful contributions to the AAPI community in the journalism funding landscape.

"Philanthropy is uniquely positioned to model a shift in the focus from technological dominance to collective human security and equity." In a new anthology of essays led by AIxGEO, our President, @JPalfrey, reimagines the AI arms race from competition to collective responsibility and outcomes that serve the common good. Read more of his thoughts and find the full collection of essays from AIxGEO ⬇️ macfound.org/press/perspect…

🥳 Congratulations to @CiceroNoticias on receiving the Catalyst Award for Local News Innovation at the Next Challenge for Media and Journalism National Awards! Cicero Independiente, a MacArthur grantee, serves Cicero and Berwyn with inclusive and bilingual news and storytelling. The $50,000 award recognizes a groundbreaking news organization that represents a new way forward for local journalism in the United States.

🎂 This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities (PSPC) Chicago Fund! The fund supports grassroots leadership activating neighborhoods on the South and West Sides. Since 2016, Chicago community groups have created fun, engaging, and safe neighborhoods with over 1,900 projects. Meet this year’s recipients! ⬇️ macfound.org/press/grantee-…

According to @pewresearch, 50% of Americans are more concerned than excited about artificial intelligence. Our President, @jpalfrey, and @MicheleJawando, CEO of Omidyar Network, recently joined @OzWoloshyn on the TechStuff Podcast to discuss the work of Humanity AI, a broad, philanthropic initiative focused on ensuring people shape the future of AI. Listen 🎧 ⬇️ ihr.fm/4eZqC0M

Journalism is essential to the fabric of our democracy. A free press is critical to knowing what's happening in the world around us. Local news, that works with and for communities, can be a medium that strengthens our communities, tells stories that build shared understanding, and holds power to account. In a new art series, Shepard Fairey illustrates the freedom of speech, press, and assembly, all of which uphold our democracy. What does freedom mean to you? Share it below! Visit artforfreedom.org to learn more.

Addressing global problems like the climate crisis and access to affordable, clean, and reliable energy requires far more than any one investor can provide. MacArthur’s recent $5 million impact investment in Zafiri, a permanent equity investment vehicle, is designed to mobilize additional capital. Learn more ⬇️ macfound.org/press/grantee-…

Local news is being rebuilt, with new models, collaborations, and revenue strategies taking root. Yet many outlets still struggle to access the capital they need to grow because they don't fit traditional investment models. Catalytic capital offers another path, according to a new white paper authored by Caroline Ross for #PressForward. Read more ⬇️ macfound.org/press/grantee-…

ICYMI: @LiteraryArtsFnd recently announced $7.7 million in inaugural unrestricted general operating grants to 40 literary arts organizations and publishers spanning 19 states! Read more at @AP ⬇️ apnews.com/article/litera…

"There was no way for me to convince others that I was not a threat or that I was worthy of their trust. The only trust I was likely to earn back was my own." Writing for @nytimes, #MacFellow Reginald Dwayne Betts shares how learning how to shoot at a gun range restored the sense of dignity a prior felony conviction took from him. Full story ⬇️ nyti.ms/4vDJcAX

“AI is a product that is inherently intertwined with critical societal infrastructures.” In our latest Grantee Story, we share how @tcddublin's AI Accountability Lab centers public interest and societal good in evaluating artificial intelligence technology. Read more: macfound.org/press/grantee-…

According to @chicago, shootings in the city decreased by over 57% between 2021 and 2025. @ChicagoReporter explores how Chicago organizations are investing in community violence intervention, including recruiting Peacekeepers, community members who are tasked with monitoring their neighborhoods and mediating conflict. Full story ⬇️ chicagoreporter.com/inside-chicago…

A recent Gallup poll found that 70% of Americans are opposed to constructing data centers for AI in their local areas. @InsidePhilanthr shares how philanthropy is responding to the public's concerns through initiatives like Humanity AI. Full story for subscribers ⬇️ insidephilanthropy.com/home/philanthr…

Creative workers are essential to the social, civic, and economic health of Chicago. In a new Perspective, Sandra Aponte and Jonathan VanderBrug of our Chicago Commitment team share how we're investing in arts and culture careers. Read more ⬇️ macfound.org/press/perspect…