Financials
Financial Overview
Over our 43-year history, MacArthur has awarded more than $7.84 billion to nearly 10,000 effective organizations and creative individuals in 117 countries and all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In 2021, the Foundation paid out $274.3* million in grants and impact investments to organizations and individuals in the United States and around the world. Actual cash paid out varies from year to year and will differ from the amounts budgeted because of the timing of the payment of grants, including large grants and those involving multi-year funding. Our charitable administrative expenses totaled $46.1 million in 2021, about 13 percent of total charitable expenses.
*Excludes mission-related investments
Our Investments Over Time
Total Cumulative Awards
| 2021 | $274,300,000 |
| 2020 | $271,700,000 |
| 2019 | $288,200,000 |
| 2018 | $328,500,000 |
| 2017 | $255,700,000 |
| 2016 | $271,300,000 |
| 2015 | $257,300,000 |
| 2014 | $231,400,000 |
| 2013 | $228,400,000 |
| 2012 | $215,200,000 |
| 2011 | $239,900,000 |
| 2010 | $243,776,000 |
| 2009 | $298,527,000 |
| 2008 | $253,227,000 |
| 2007 | $267,232,000 |
| 2006 | $234,949,000 |
| 2005 | $194,622,000 |
| 2004 | $216,574,000 |
| 2003 | $203,253,000 |
| 2002 | $209,916,000 |
| 2001 | $177,945,000 |
| 2000 | $170,523,000 |
| 1999 | $172,582,000 |
| 1998 | $130,519,000 |
| 1997 | $166,476,000 |
| 1996 | $148,616,000 |
| 1995 | $136,744,000 |
| 1994 | $123,879,000 |
| 1993 | $135,030,000 |
| 1992 | $137,233,000 |
| 1991 | $130,491,000 |
| 1990 | $121,726,000 |
| 1989 | $118,862,000 |
| 1988 | $116,452,920 |
| 1987 | $109,349,000 |
| 1986 | $101,936,000 |
| 1985 | $54,048,000 |
| 1984 | $65,150,000 |
| 1983 | $26,376,000 |
| 1982 | $22,283,000 |
| 1981 | $31,818,000 |
| 1980 | $41,703,000 |
| 1979 | $2,264,000 |
| 1978 | $50,000 |
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Program Budgets
Program budgets are approved by the Foundation's Board of Directors. Working pursuant to these budgets, the Foundation approves grants and impact investments and makes expenditures during the year. We share these budgets so you can better understand the Foundation's priorities.
*In addition to grants, $24.6 million was authorized for impact investments.
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Big Bets
Striving toward transformative change in areas of profound concern, Big Bets are an all-in, timely commitment of talent, resources, time, and reputation toward real change that matters for many people. A total of $140.5 million was invested in 2021.
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Enduring Commitments
Areas of work in which we have long-standing, deep engagement. A total of $47.9 million was invested in 2021.
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Awards
A total of $58.8 million was invested across all awards in 2021.
Field Support
Our field support grants are awarded to a limited number of anchor organizations and special projects in a field that is essential to our effectiveness. A total of $15.4 million was invested in 2021.
*In addition to grants, $24.6 million was authorized for impact investments.
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Changing Work
Fields of work in which the Foundation is responsibly winding down its grantmaking. A total of $4 million was invested in 2021.
Audited Financial Report
Download the Foundation’s most recent audited financial report (PDF).
Tax Return (990-PF)
The 990-PF is the tax return that private foundations must file each year with the Internal Revenue Service. It provides financial information about the Foundation's assets, investments, expenses, and grants awarded for the year. If you have questions or would like more information about how to interpret this document please contact our Tax Manager, Lucy Lovejoy, at (312) 917-3669.
Download most recent 990-PF, (Year ended December 31, 2020)
Updated April 2021