Investments
Investments Assets
The Foundation uses two methods for the ongoing management of its investment assets: an investment portfolio designed to earn a financial return sufficient to support a substantial, stable level of grantmaking and related operating activity over the planning horizon; and an impact investments portfolio dedicated to the advancement of the Foundation's program and philanthropic purposes.
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Investment Portfolio
As of December 31, 2021, MacArthur's assets totaled $9.4 billion. The Foundation's investment portfolio had a return of 21.78 percent in 2021 net of investment management costs.
- The Foundation maintains a broadly diversified portfolio with allocation to a variety of asset classes, both public and private, largely through investments in multi-investor pooled funds managed by outside investment managers that invest in underlying companies or securities.
- The Foundation manages risk through rigorous analytical research and broad diversification.
- The Foundation undertakes a robust due diligence process prior to investing that includes the examination and evaluation of managers’ consideration of environmental, social, and governance factors.
- The Foundation seeks to achieve strong, risk-adjusted net investment returns over time, at a cost comparable to other institutions with similar asset allocations.
Learn more about how the Foundation is sourcing and diversifying investment managers ›
Total Assets and Returns, 2012-2021*
Compounded annual rate of return, 2012-2021: 10.64%*
| 10.20% | $5,987,438,524 | 2012 |
| 10.77% | $6,323,307,217 | 2013 |
| 6.97% | $6,469,167,429 | 2014 |
| 0.55% | $6,196,280,733 | 2015 |
| 7.36% | $6,291,886,042 | 2016 |
| 16.70% | $6,976,972,558 | 2017 |
| -1.97% | $6,469,437,567 | 2018 |
| 17.07% | $7,214,707,065 | 2019 |
| 19.52% | $8,163,952,745 | 2020 |
| 21.78% | $9,416,473,107 | 2021 |
| Compounded annual rate of return, 2012-2021 | 10.64%* | |
*Rate of return on investments assets only.
Data Table View → Data Graphic View →
Impact Investments Portfolio
Since 1983, MacArthur has complemented grantmaking with impact investments that directly advance program priorities and strategic initiatives, and to increase capital for the social sector generally.
From a Board-authorized allocation to impact investments of up to $500 million, as of December 31, 2021, $390 million was committed to impact investments, including unfunded guarantees and staged investments not yet fully disbursed.
Outstanding commitments comprise loans (53 percent), private equity investments (28 percent), and guarantees (19 percent).
Learn more about how the Foundation is diversifying our investment portfolio ›
Updated August 2022