Statement of Jonathan Fanton Regarding MacArthur's Registration in Russia

November 20, 2006 Press Releases

A new Russian law requires all foreign non-governmental organizations to re-register with the Russian government.  The registration of MacArthur for a branch office has recently been accepted by the Russian government.  This allows our Moscow office to continue the Foundation’s important work in Russia, including researching areas for grantmaking; identifying and evaluating grantees and their work; reviewing proposals and reports; convening, organizing, and conducting meetings of grantees and others; and performing necessary oversight of grantee activities. 

Each year, MacArthur makes about $225 million in grants and low-interest loans to universities, nongovernmental organizations, and talented individuals in the United States and 65 countries around the world.  Our largest financial commitment outside the U.S., totaling approximately $11 million annually, is in Russia, where the Foundation has had an office since 1992. 

MacArthur has provided more than $115 million in funding in Russia, principally to support universities and other scholarly institutions.  Much of this funding is provided in partnership with the Russian Ministry of Education and Science.  Together with the Ministry, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, private universities, and think tanks, the Foundation supports 25 centers of excellence in the sciences and social sciences at state universities throughout the country. 

MacArthur also supports nongovernmental organizations that are helping to strengthen Russia’s system of regional human rights ombudsmen and working in other ways to further the rule of law, such as promoting police reform. 

We look forward to continuing to work with the Russian government, as well as private organizations and individuals in Russia, in the years ahead.