[MacArthur Foundation](https://www.macfound.org)

January 2026 (Nominator nominations submission deadline, projected)

$800,000 per fellow, paid in quarterly installments over five years; unrestricted funds.

Unrestricted fellowships recognizing exceptionally creative individuals to support their future potential and impact.

Individuals cannot apply; nomination by invited nominators only.

--- ## Description The MacArthur Fellows Program provides substantial, unrestricted support to exceptionally talented and creative individuals across all fields. The fellowship is designed as an investment in a person's originality, insight, and future promise, rather than as a reward for past achievements or a lifetime of work. Fellows receive $800,000 over five years, with no reporting or usage restrictions, allowing them maximum freedom to pursue their creative, intellectual, or professional goals. The program seeks to foster creativity and innovation with the potential for significant societal impact. --- ## Due Dates - January 2026: Nominator nominations submission deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each MacArthur Fellow receives $800,000, paid in equal quarterly installments over five years. - The award is "no strings attached" and unrestricted; there are no requirements or restrictions on how the funds are used. --- ## Eligibility - Only individuals may be considered (not teams or institutions). - Nominees must be either citizens or residents of the United States. - Nominees cannot hold elective office or advanced positions in government as defined by statute. - There are no restrictions on age, field, or area of activity. - Candidates must be nominated by an invited nominator; unsolicited applications or nominations are not accepted. --- ## Application Process - Direct applications are not accepted. - Candidates are identified exclusively through a confidential, rotating pool of external nominators selected by the Foundation. - Nominators submit confidential letters describing the creativity and impact of their nominees. - The selection process is confidential and multi-stage, involving evaluation by a Selection Committee and final approval by the Foundation's Board of Directors. - Individuals are typically unaware of their nomination, and nominators/evaluators are asked to maintain confidentiality. --- ## Additional Information - Approximately 20–30 fellows are selected each year, representing a broad range of fields, backgrounds, and creative pursuits. - There are no reporting requirements or obligations for fellows; recipients have complete freedom in how they use the award. - The program is sometimes referred to as the "genius grant," though the Foundation avoids this term. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview](https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/) - [About & Selection Criteria](https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/about) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/faq) - [List of Past Fellows](https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/results) - [Info for Grantseekers](https://www.macfound.org/grants/info-for-grantseekers) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [4answers@macfound.org](mailto:4answers@macfound.org) | | Media/Press | [amentor@macfound.org](mailto:amentor@macfound.org) or 312.516.1547 | | Foundation Address | 140 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60603, USA | | Main Phone | +1 312-726-8000 | | Contact Form | [Contact Us](https://www.macfound.org/about/contact-us) | ---

MacArthur Fellows

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