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

October 2025 (Announcement of Fellows)

$800,000 per fellow, paid over five years; typically 20–30 awards annually

Unrestricted fellowships recognizing exceptional creativity and future promise across all disciplines, awarded by nomination only.

No applications or unsolicited nominations accepted; recipients are chosen through a confidential nomination and selection process.

--- ## Description The MacArthur Fellows Program, often called the "Genius Grant," provides significant, no-strings-attached financial support to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary originality, dedication, and creative potential in their fields. The fellowship is designed to give recipients the freedom and flexibility to pursue their innovative work without project restrictions, reporting requirements, or institutional affiliation constraints. Awards are made across a wide spectrum of disciplines, including science, arts, humanities, social sciences, and public service. --- ## Due Dates - The next anticipated announcement of new MacArthur Fellows is in October 2025. - Selection and notification timelines are confidential and not publicly disclosed. - All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - Each fellowship provides $800,000, disbursed in equal quarterly installments over five years. - The award is unrestricted and may be used for any purpose. - Typically, 20 to 30 fellows are selected each year. --- ## Eligibility - Nominees must be either U.S. citizens or residents. - Individuals holding elective office or advanced positions in government (as defined by statute) are not eligible. - There are no restrictions on age, field, or institutional affiliation. - Only individuals may be nominated; groups and organizations are not eligible. - The program does not accept applications or unsolicited nominations. Candidates must be nominated confidentially by an invited nominator. --- ## Application Process - There is no application process for individuals; unsolicited nominations and self-nominations are not accepted. - Candidates are brought to the Foundation’s attention by a constantly changing pool of invited external nominators, who serve confidentially for limited terms. - Nominators submit detailed statements about the nominee’s creativity and potential. - Nominations are evaluated by an anonymous, rotating Selection Committee of distinguished experts from diverse fields. - The MacArthur Board of Directors approves the final selections. - All aspects of the nomination and review process are kept strictly confidential. --- ## Additional Information - The fellowship is not a lifetime achievement award; it is intended for individuals at pivotal points in their creative careers. - There are no reporting requirements or obligations attached to the award. - Recipients have used the award for a wide variety of purposes, including research, artistic creation, career transitions, and personal needs. - The program values integrity, respect, and conduct that contributes positively to the community. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview](https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/) - [FAQs](https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/faq) - [About & Selection Criteria](https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/about) - [Search Past Fellows](https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/search) - [Recent Evaluation of the Fellows Program](https://www.macfound.org/press/evaluation/evaluation-of-the-macarthur-fellows-program) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | More Info | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------|--------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | MacArthur Foundation | [4answers@macfound.org](mailto:4answers@macfound.org) | +1 312-726-8000 | [Contact Page](https://www.macfound.org/about/contact-us) | | Ambar Mentor-Truppa, Director, Communications | [amentor@macfound.org](mailto:amentor@macfound.org) | 312-516-1547 | [Profile](https://www.macfound.org/about/people/ambar-mentor-truppa) | ---

MacArthur Fellows Program

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