Climate Solutions
Working to prevent climate change by curbing emissions and supporting global leadership on climate solutions
Criminal Justice
Working to address over-incarceration and racial and ethnic disparities by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails.
Nuclear Challenges
Working to reduce nuclear threats by decreasing the availability and use of weapons-useable material.
On Nigeria
Reducing corruption by supporting Nigerian-led efforts that strengthen accountability, transparency, and participation.
Our Approach
In thinking about a potential big bet, the Foundation considers the following factors:
Problem or Opportunity
Is it profound?
Does it affect a large number of people?
Is it longstanding or seemingly intractable?
Is it new or emerging with truly significant implications for people and society?
Goal
Is the goal audacious?
Does it require risk?
Challenge
What will it take to achieve the goal?
Consider will; time; commitment; leadership; collective action; evidence; and changes in behavior, policy or practice. What would success look like?
Moment in Time
Why now?
Are forces converging?
Is a window of opportunity opening or closing?
Are leaders emerging?
Is the cost of inaction compelling?
Rationale
Why is it/could it/might it be feasible?
What are the factors, trends or conditions that increase confidence that the big bet can be implemented?
That it can achieve the goal?
Does it capitalize on Foundation knowledge, experience, expertise or standing
Unknowns
What is not known?
What must be known before proceeding?
What will need to be known over time to ensure achievement of the goal?
Action
What is the big bet?
What action, approach, or strategy for MacArthur is proposed?
What will it take?
Why is it feasible?
What is the degree of possibility?
Will it affect a large number of people?
Does it reflect ambition? Is it creative, original or unconventional?
Does it reflect independent thinking or willingness to take a contrarian view?
Does it require risk?
Does it fill a gap?
Does it take advantage of a significant opportunity?
Does it leverage others’ actions or resources?
Is it likely to achieve significant, sustained impact?
Is it intended to achieve the goal or make substantial, but essential, progress toward it?
What is the Foundation’s value-add?
What would success look like?