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MacArthur Foundation

Q: Who is eligible for the MacArthur Foundation program?

To be eligible for the MacArthur Foundation program, you must: Focused on organizations addressing societal challenges in specified areas.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the MacArthur Foundation?

You can contact John D & Catherine T Macarthur Foundation.

Q: Where is the MacArthur Foundation available?

The MacArthur Foundation program is available the province of Quebec.

Q: Is the MacArthur Foundation a grant, loan, or tax credit?

MacArthur Foundation is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the MacArthur Foundation?

MacArthur Foundation is funded by John D & Catherine T Macarthur Foundation

Last Update: February 4, 2026

QC, Canada

Long-term strategic funding for societal impact projects addressing key social issues.

Grant and Funding

John D & Catherine T Macarthur Foundation

Processing And Agreement

Other info

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increasing community impact

Strengthening governance

Develop strategic partnerships

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Quebec

Legal structures

Non-profit

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

All groups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Research
Social Services

Target groups

All the groups

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

Provincial

Overview

Comprehensive overview of funding scope and impact

The foundation's funding program focuses on building impactful change through targeted investments in organizations committed to societal betterment. It emphasizes tackling complex issues with sustainable, scalable solutions, often requiring substantial commitment over multiple years. The focus areas identified by the foundation—climate change mitigation, criminal justice reform, revitalization of local news, nuclear threat reduction, and anti-corruption efforts—reflect the foundation’s strategic priorities aimed at fostering long-term societal resilience and justice.

Organizations seeking funding should ensure their project proposals align with these strategic focus areas. The foundation favors initiatives that are innovative, community-focused, and capable of demonstrating measurable societal impact. Most funding does not involve small-scale grants; instead, it supports large-scale, influential projects directed towards solving significant social problems. While the foundation operates with transparency in its strategic goals, it evaluates proposals rigorously based on potential impact, feasibility, and sustainability.

Applicants are required to submit comprehensive proposals that detail the project scope, intended outcomes, and evaluation metrics. The foundation’s selection process involves a review by panels of experts and senior staff, with a focus on the project's alignment with foundation goals and potential for societal transformation. Funded projects often involve policy advocacy, community engagement, technological solutions, or research aimed at systemic change. Successful applicants must adhere to reporting and accountability standards, including progress updates and outcome documentation, to ensure ongoing support and mutual benefits.

This funding opportunity enables organizations to leverage significant capital to advance strategic societal initiatives, fostering innovation and systemic change across critical issues. By focusing resources on high-impact projects, the foundation aims to catalyze sustainable improvements within communities and global sectors.

Activities funded

Research and development of innovative solutions to societal challenges.
Policy advocacy initiatives targeting systemic issues.
Community engagement and capacity building activities.
Deployment of new technologies or approaches for societal benefit.

Documents Needed

Application form, project proposal, supporting documentation as specified by the foundation.

Eligibility

Organizations working on societal challenges in specified focus areas such as climate change, criminal justice, local news, nuclear threats, or anti-corruption efforts.

Who is eligible?

Nonprofit organizations working on social challenges in specified areas.
Public agencies collaborating on societal impact projects.
Research institutions proposing innovative solutions.

Who is not eligible

Organizations not aligned with the foundation's focus areas.
For-profit companies or businesses without a non-profit status.
Individuals acting outside organizational capacity.

Eligible expenses

Expenses directly related to project activities such as research, development, and implementation costs, but specific details are not provided.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

Unrelated personal expenses or activities not aligned with project objectives.
Bimonthly operational costs outside project scope.
Unapproved extensions or modifications to project plans.
Expenses not directly linked to project activities or outcomes.

Eligible geographic areas

This foundation's focus areas are global, with specific interests in the United States and Nigeria, particularly in Nigeria for anti-corruption initiatives.

Selection criteria

Alignment with foundation priorities and societal impact.
Feasibility and clarity of implementation plan.
Potential for measurable progress and scalability.
Innovation and originality of the proposed solution.

How to apply

Review the foundation's grant guidelines and focus areas.Prepare a detailed project proposal aligned with foundation priorities.Submit the expression of interest or full proposal according to deadlines.Await feedback and possible invitation for further discussion or clarification.If approved, sign funding agreement and commence project activities.

Processing and Agreement

Applications are reviewed for strategic alignment and societal impact potential.
Decision timelines vary; applicants are notified of funding decisions and next steps.
Funded projects require adherence to agreed milestones and reporting schedules.
Agreements are formalized through signed contracts outlining terms, deliverables, and accountability measures.

Additional information

Most of the foundation's grantmaking is dedicated to strategic, long-term investments and typically does not accept unsolicited proposals. Interested applicants should carefully review the grant guidelines before applying.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the MacArthur Foundation Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the MacArthur Foundation. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the MacArthur Foundation?

The MacArthur Foundation offers strategic, long-term funding to organizations addressing pressing societal issues in areas such as climate solutions, criminal justice, local news, nuclear threats, and corruption reduction. These grants are designed to support innovative projects that deliver measurable progress and develop evidence-based solutions. Comprehensive overview of funding scope and impact The foundation's funding program focuses on building impactful change through targeted investments in organizations committed to societal betterment. It emphasizes tackling complex issues with sustainable, scalable solutions, often requiring substantial commitment over multiple years. The focus areas identified by the foundation—climate change mitigation, criminal justice reform, revitalization of local news, nuclear threat reduction, and anti-corruption efforts—reflect the foundation’s strategic priorities aimed at fostering long-term societal resilience and justice. Organizations seeking funding should ensure their project proposals align with these strategic focus areas. The foundation favors initiatives that are innovative, community-focused, and capable of demonstrating measurable societal impact. Most funding does not involve small-scale grants; instead, it supports large-scale, influential projects directed towards solving significant social problems. While the foundation operates with transparency in its strategic goals, it evaluates proposals rigorously based on potential impact, feasibility, and sustainability. Applicants are required to submit comprehensive proposals that detail the project scope, intended outcomes, and evaluation metrics. The foundation’s selection process involves a review by panels of experts and senior staff, with a focus on the project's alignment with foundation goals and potential for societal transformation. Funded projects often involve policy advocacy, community engagement, technological solutions, or research aimed at systemic change. Successful applicants must adhere to reporting and accountability standards, including progress updates and outcome documentation, to ensure ongoing support and mutual benefits. This funding opportunity enables organizations to leverage significant capital to advance strategic societal initiatives, fostering innovation and systemic change across critical issues. By focusing resources on high-impact projects, the foundation aims to catalyze sustainable improvements within communities and global sectors.