About the Award

It is often small or emerging organizations that generate provocative ideas, reframe the debate, or provide new ways of looking at persistent problems.  Some are particularly effective at delivering services or challenging old paradigms.  A significant investment in such promising organizations can contribute to progress on an issue or in an area of work, and can also help position a small or new organization for long-term growth and impact.

The Foundation does not seek or accept nominations for this award. To qualify, organizations must –

• Have budgets of less than $2.5 million per year;
• Demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness;
• Have reached a critical or strategic point in their development;
• Show strong leadership and stable financial management;
• Have previously received MacArthur support; and
• Work in one of the fields in which MacArthur is engaged.