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

June 2026 (Nomination deadline, projected)

$800,000 per fellow, paid over five years, no restrictions on use

Honors exceptionally creative individuals in any field with substantial, unrestricted fellowships to support their ongoing and future work.

Candidates cannot apply directly; nomination is required.

--- ## Description The MacArthur Fellows program, often referred to as the "Genius Grant," provides substantial, no-strings-attached fellowships to exceptionally talented and creative individuals across a wide range of disciplines, including science, art, music, literature, and more. The fellowship is intended to invest in the potential of individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary originality and dedication in their pursuits, enabling them to further expand the boundaries of knowledge, artistry, and human understanding. Fellows are selected for their creativity, significant past accomplishments, and potential for future contributions. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026: Nomination deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each fellow receives $800,000, paid in equal quarterly installments over five years. - There are no restrictions or reporting requirements on how the funds are used. --- ## Eligibility - There are no age or field restrictions; nominees come from a diversity of disciplines and backgrounds. - Candidates must be nominated by an invited nominator; self-nominations and unsolicited applications are not accepted. - The fellowship is intended for individuals who demonstrate exceptional creativity, originality, and dedication in their work, as well as a marked capacity for self-direction. - Both U.S. residents and, in some cases, non-U.S. residents have been selected in past cycles. --- ## Application Process - Individuals cannot apply directly for the fellowship. - Nominations are solicited confidentially from a broad pool of invited nominators familiar with the nominee’s work and field. - Nominees are evaluated by an independent selection committee, which reviews the candidates and recommends fellows to the MacArthur Foundation’s Board of Directors. - The process is confidential; nominees are not informed of their consideration unless they are selected. --- ## Additional Information - The fellowship is entirely unrestricted; recipients may use the funds however they see fit to advance their work or personal lives. - The award is intended to recognize exceptional creativity and provide recipients with the freedom to pursue their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations. - For more details on the selection process and past fellows, see the program’s [About](https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/about) and [Search](https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/search) pages. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview](https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/) - [About the Fellows Program](https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/about) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/faq) - [Past Fellows](https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/search) - [Contact MacArthur Foundation](https://www.macfound.org/about/contact-us) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Website | [https://www.macfound.org](https://www.macfound.org) | | Email | 4answers@macfound.org | | Phone | +1 312-726-8000 | | Address | 140 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60603, USA | ---

MacArthur Fellows - MacArthur Foundation

Sign in to see full grant listing