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

No fixed deadline; proposals by invitation only

Typical grants range from ~$225,000–$600,000; general operating and project support; multi-year awards possible

Supports organizations advancing equity, inclusion, research, and infrastructure in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors in the U.S., India, and Nigeria.

Unsolicited proposals are not accepted; contact program staff to share ideas.

--- ## Description The MacArthur Foundation's Philanthropy Grants program is designed to strengthen the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors by centering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the U.S., India, and Nigeria. The program funds organizations that promote equitable and effective philanthropic practices, convene learning communities, build sector infrastructure, and defend philanthropic freedom. It also supports research and communication efforts that analyze giving, assess best practices, and encourage transparency and accountability. Additionally, the program bolsters the nonprofit sector by funding organizations that provide resources, advocacy training, peer networks, and professional development for fundraising professionals. The overall strategy emphasizes increasing transparency, reducing burdens on grantees, and strengthening philanthropic skills, with a focus on domestic sector growth in each target country. --- ## Due Dates - No fixed deadline; proposals are accepted by invitation only. - The program is not currently accepting unsolicited proposals, but interested organizations can contact the program officer to share new ideas and perspectives. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grants range from approximately $225,000 to $600,000, based on recent representative awards. - Both general operating support and project support are available. - Multi-year awards are possible. - Since 1996, over $35.8 million has been invested across 223 grants to 78 organizations and individuals. --- ## Eligibility - Organizations must operate at the national level in the U.S., India, or Nigeria. - Eligible entities include: - Organizations promoting equitable and effective philanthropic practices. - Conveners and facilitators for funder learning communities and collaboratives. - Organizations building philanthropic infrastructure or defending philanthropic freedom. - Groups conducting research on giving, best practices, and sector accountability. - Providers of nonprofit resources, advocacy training, peer learning networks, and professional development for fundraising professionals. - In the U.S., the focus is on independent/private philanthropies (not community/family foundations or individual donors). - Grantmaking in India and Nigeria is focused on strengthening the domestic, homegrown sector. --- ## Application Process - Proposals are accepted by invitation only; unsolicited proposals are not considered. - Interested organizations may contact the program officer to share new ideas or perspectives. - To begin the process or inquire about eligibility, use the contact information below or visit the [MacArthur Foundation Grants Portal](https://macfound.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new). - Review the [grant guidelines](https://www.macfound.org/programs/field-support/philanthropy/grant-guidelines) for additional details. --- ## Additional Information - The program takes a flexible approach, offering both seeding/growing grants (for new/emerging organizations or pivotal growth) and maintaining grants (for stable, long-term sector conveners). - There is an emphasis on supporting underfunded populations and increasing sector diversity. - Evaluation and learning are integral to the program, with a commitment to transparency and ongoing strategy adjustment. - For the latest updates and news, visit the [Philanthropy program page](https://www.macfound.org/programs/field-support/philanthropy/). --- ## External Links - [Philanthropy Program Overview](https://www.macfound.org/programs/field-support/philanthropy/) - [Program Strategy](https://www.macfound.org/programs/field-support/philanthropy/strategy) - [Grant Guidelines](https://www.macfound.org/programs/field-support/philanthropy/grant-guidelines) - [MacArthur Foundation Grants Portal](https://macfound.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) - [All Philanthropy Grants](https://www.macfound.org/grants/?program=102156) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Area | Contact Details | |-------------------------|--------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Claire Poelking | Program Officer | [cpoelking@macfound.org](mailto:cpoelking@macfound.org) | | General Inquiries | Foundation Contact | [4answers@macfound.org](mailto:4answers@macfound.org)
+1 312-726-8000 | | Grants Portal Support | Application Process | [MacArthur Grants Portal](https://macfound.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) | For more staff contacts, visit the [MacArthur Foundation staff directory](https://www.macfound.org/about/people/).

Philanthropy Grants - MacArthur Foundation

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