John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is a private foundation based in Chicago, Illinois. It supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks working toward a more just, verdant, and peaceful world, including through grantmaking on climate change, criminal justice reform, local news, artificial intelligence, and the vitality of Chicago.
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation at a glance
In short: John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation gave $356.1M across 1,086 grants in 2024 (avg $328K), top state New York. 27% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $356,090,979
- +11.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 1,086
- -25.9% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $327,892
- +49.7% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $160,000
- Total assets
- $9,311,570,852
- +7.4% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 27% first-time grantees (209 of 761, 2024)
- Primary geography
- New York (26% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- Review Cycle
- The 2024 filing says there are no fixed deadlines, with few exceptions noted on the Foundation’s website.
- Deadline
- The 2024 filing says there are no fixed deadlines, with few exceptions noted on the Foundation’s website.
- Contact
Application contact: John D And Catherine T Macarthur Fo
Mailing address: 140 South Dearborn St Ste 1200, Chicago, IL 60603-5285
Phone: (312) 726-8000
Website: https://www.macfound.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
5 open opportunities from John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation
Chicago Commitment: Advancing Leadership Grant
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Chicago Commitment: Civic Partnerships Grant
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Chicago Commitment: Culture, Equity, and the Arts Grant
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation
Amount
US $55,000 - US $80,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Community Solutions International Inc ($21.0M). Together the top 10 received $84.6M.
Organizations only. It also paid 118 grants to individuals ($16,400,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
7,057 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 2,828 grants of 7,057 (40%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation is based in Chicago and describes a longstanding commitment to the vitality of its headquarters city. Its website says it has supported organizations in 119 countries and has offices in India and Nigeria. In 2024, the largest reported shares of grant dollars by recipient state were New York (26%), Illinois (20%), Washington, D.C. (15%), and California (9%); an additional 8% was listed with the state unspecified.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 1,086 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation open to new grantees?
27%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 209 of 761 grantees (27%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $329K; repeat grants $491K. How we count
Medians: $200K first-time, $250K repeat.
- 61% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+4%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 109% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $311.5M (2020) to $356.1M (2024). In 2024 it made 1,086 grants totaling $356.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Community Solutions International Inc New York, NY | To bring the movement to end homelessness in the U.S. to a tipping point | $21,000,000 |
| Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Inc New York, NY | In support of the governance of artificial intelligence in the public interest | $10,000,000 |
| RF Catalytic Capital Inc New York, NY | In Support of Invest in Our Future | $7,500,000 |
| Research Foundation of the City University of New York New York, NY | For data and project management and the coordination of technical assistance and support for the safety and justice challenge network | $6,500,000 |
| Windward Fund Washington, DC | In Support of the Methane Hub | $5,000,000 |
| Research Foundation of the City University of New York New York, NY | To support the safety and justice challenge research consortium, a mechanism to administer and manage research projects under the initiative | $4,500,000 |
| Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Institute Summit, IL | In Support of General Operations | $4,000,000 |
| Urban Institute Washington, DC | To serve as the coordinator and technical assistance provider for the just home project to advance targeted housing solutions to break the link between housing instability and incarceration under the safety and justice challenge | $4,000,000 |
| United States Energy Foundation San Francisco, CA | In support of state-level advocacy for clean energy policies | $3,000,000 |
| American Online Giving Foundation Inc Newark, DE | Employee Matching Gifts Program | $2,985,897 |
Ready to take the next step with John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $9,311,570,852 | $890,851,721 | $414,659,854 | $356,090,979 | 1,086 | $468,169,033 | $791,986,861 | $428,654,370 |
| 2023 | $8,672,283,398 | $613,786,298 | $415,250,452 | $320,782,584 | 1,465 | $417,507,266 | $591,188,118 | $418,691,836 |
| 2022 | $8,229,029,493 | $-1,307,634 | $260,263,897 | $315,736,308 | 1,487 | $390,078,271 | — | $449,318,207 |
| 2021 | $9,462,296,474 | $781,295,998 | $559,609,585 | $341,122,704 | 1,491 | $423,564,293 | $865,621,889 | $438,310,942 |
| 2020 | $8,209,542,030 | $537,302,289 | $303,541,809 | $311,460,883 | 1,528 | — | $456,656,928 | $335,679,282 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation reported a distributable amount of $428.7M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s stated mission is to build a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. Its website identifies work on climate solutions, criminal justice, local news, artificial intelligence, Native communities, young people in Nigeria, journalism and democracy, Chicago, social-sector financial capital, and the social impacts of technology.
Its programs include Big Bets, awards, enduring commitments, field support, and initiatives. Examples include 100&Change, the MacArthur Fellows, Chicago Commitment, Journalism & Media, impact investments, philanthropy, and technology in the public interest.
The 2024 grantees illustrate the range of organizations it supports. Community Solutions International describes its work as helping communities solve homelessness and the conditions that create it. The Urban Institute describes itself as a nonprofit research organization that equips changemakers with evidence and solutions. The U.S. Energy Foundation says it works with philanthropies and grantees to advance clean-energy policy solutions. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own work.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation reported 1,086 grants totaling $356,090,979. Grant amounts ranged from $450 to $21 million, with a median of $160,000.
Among the largest 2024 grants were $21 million to Community Solutions International to help bring the U.S. movement to end homelessness to a tipping point; $10 million to Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors for work on governance of artificial intelligence in the public interest; and $7.5 million to RF Catalytic Capital in support of Invest in Our Future. Other large awards included $6.5 million and $4.5 million to the Research Foundation of the City University of New York for work supporting the Safety and Justice Challenge, and $5 million to the Windward Fund in support of the Methane Hub.
The Foundation’s grantseeker information says most grantmaking is dedicated to defined program strategies and that unsolicited proposals are generally not funded, though proposals meeting program guidelines may be reviewed. Its 2024 filing states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Applicants are directed to review program guidelines and use the eligibility quiz to begin the Letter of Inquiry process. The Foundation may announce open calls for specific program goals. Its application materials describe a process that typically begins with a program officer’s invitation to submit a proposal; invited applicants provide a narrative and organizational and financial documents, after which the proposal is reviewed by Foundation leadership and may require Board approval.
The Foundation does not fund scholarships or tuition assistance, annual fundraising drives, paid advertisements, political activities, or attempts to influence action on specific legislation. It generally does not make grants to individuals, with stated exceptions for Leaders for a New Chicago and the MacArthur Fellows Program; the Fellows Program does not accept applications or public nominations.
The Foundation lists Journalism & Media and Chicago Commitment opportunities, including Vital Communities and Culture, Equity, and the Arts. The Culture, Equity, and the Arts grant lists an award range of $55,000–$80,000. For 2025/2026 grantmaking, the Foundation says it will raise its baseline payout to six percent over two years and is prioritizing longstanding grantee partners.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists John G. Palfrey as director and president; Kenneth M. Jones II as senior vice president and chief operating officer; Joshua J. Mintz as vice president, general counsel, and secretary; and Susan E. Manske as vice president and chief investment officer. Martha L. Minow is listed as board chair.
The filing also lists Stephanie K. Bell-Rose, Amy Falls, Lillian Constance Jen, Julie T. Katzman, and Paul Klingenstein as board trustees.
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation is led by John G. Palfrey, Director & President on every filing since 2020; all 18 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
John G. Palfrey
Director & President
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$920K (2020) → $1.1M (2024)
Martha L. Minow
Board Chair
Director & Board Chair Since June → Director & Board Chair, 2023
Director & Board Chair → Board Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
7 hrs/week
$28K (2020) → $45K (2024)
Cecilia Munoz
Board Trustee
Director → Board Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
4.5 hrs/week
$19K (2020) → $27K (2024)
Juan Salgado
Board Trustee
Director Since → Director, 2021
Director → Board Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
4.5 hrs/week
$11K (2020) → $28K (2024)
Olufunmilayo I. Olopade
Board Trustee
Director → Board Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
4.5 hrs/week
$28K (2020) → $26K (2024)
Paul Klingenstein
Board Trustee
Director → Board Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
4.5 hrs/week
$28K (2020) → $28K (2024)
Sendhil Mullainathan
Board Trustee
Director → Board Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
4.5 hrs/week
$28K (2020) → $27K (2024)
Stephanie K. Bell-Rose
Board Trustee
Director → Board Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2021
4.5 hrs/week
$14K (2021) → $26K (2024)
Lillian Constance Jen
Board Trustee
Director Since June → Director, 2023
Director → Board Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2022
4.5 hrs/week
$16K (2022) → $27K (2024)
Ruth J. Simmons
Board Trustee
Director Since June → Board Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2023
4.5 hrs/week
$16K (2023) → $26K (2024)
Alondra Nelson
Board Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
4.5 hrs/week
$9K (2024)
Amy Falls
Board Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
4.5 hrs/week
$14K (2024)
James Casselberry
Arc Board Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
$10K (2024)
Trinita Logue
Arc Board Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
$10K (2024)
William F. Lee
Board Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
4.5 hrs/week
$14K (2024)
Joshua J. Mintz
Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$606K (2020) → $716K (2024)
Kenneth M. Jones II
Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer → Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, 2022
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$450K (2020) → $698K (2024)
Susan E. Manske
Vice President & Chief Investment Officer
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$1.8M (2020) → $2.5M (2024)
Former officers (5)
- Former: James Manyika (2020–2024) — Board Trustee · Filing note: Thru 3/2024
- Former: Julie T. Katzman (2020–2024) — Board Trustee · Filing note: Thru 6/2024
- Former: Directors & Officers Affiliated Entities (2020–2023) — Note in Compensation Explanation
- Former: Daniel Huttenlocher (2020–2022) — Director & Board Chair
- Former: Claude M. Steele (2020–2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $2.5M, to Susan E Manske (VP / Chief Investment Officer). 20 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation
How much does John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation give each year?
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation gave $356.1M across 1,086 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $320.8M across 1,465 grants.
What is John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation's typical grant size?
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $160,000, and its average grant was $327,892, across 1,086 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation that year got $329K on average.
Where does John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation give grants?
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation's top state is New York, with 26% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Illinois (20%) and District of Columbia (15%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (232 grants), Washington, DC (128 grants), New York, NY (105 grants) and San Francisco, CA (28 grants).
Does John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 33% of John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (363 of 1,086) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Macarthur Foundation Fellow Award - Artist" (5 grants), "In Institutional Support" (3 grants) and "Macarthur Foundation Fellow Award - Writer" (3 grants).
Who are John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation's largest grantees?
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Community Solutions International Inc ($21,000,000), Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Inc ($12,675,000 across 9 grants) and Research Foundation of the City University of New York ($11,000,000 across 2 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 118 grants to individuals ($16,400,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 13% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation?
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation reported $9.3B in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $468.2M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $428.7M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s stated mission is to build a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation?
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, according to Grantable's research on its published guidelines. Check macfound.org for any change to that policy.
What is John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation's EIN?
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7093598. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS April 2, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 12, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 27, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/john-d-and-catherine-t-macarthur-foundation-morg_76e508de54164c7ea27dcce1dd7b96c4
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_237093598_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/john-d-and-catherine-t-macarthur-foundation-morg_76e508de54164c7ea27dcce1dd7b96c4},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-27. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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