What Does MacArthur Foundation Do?

Total employees300
HeadquartersChicago
Founded1978

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is a global philanthropy dedicated to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. Through grantmaking and impact investing, the Foundation supports creative individuals, effective institutions, and influential networks working on complex challenges. Key areas of focus include climate solutions, criminal justice reform, journalism and media, nuclear challenges, and the '100&Change' competition, which awards a significant grant to a single proposal promising real and measurable progress in solving a critical problem of our time. Headquartered in Chicago, MacArthur also has offices in India, Mexico, and Nigeria to support its international programs.

Where Is MacArthur Foundation's Headquarters?

HQ Function

Serves as the central hub for the Foundation's global operations, including grantmaking strategy, program development, financial management, research, communications, and administrative functions.

Notable Features:

The Marquette Building is a Chicago Landmark and an early example of steel-frame skyscraper architecture, designed by Holabird & Roche. It features a distinctive terra cotta facade and a renowned lobby with Tiffany mosaics depicting the life of Jacques Marquette.

Work Culture:

The work culture at the MacArthur Foundation is collaborative, mission-driven, and intellectually stimulating. Employees are deeply committed to the Foundation's values and goals, fostering an environment of innovation and dedication to social impact.

HQ Significance:

The headquarters' location in a historically significant, restored building in Chicago underscores the Foundation's commitment to its home city and its heritage. It is the central point from which strategic decisions are made, guiding philanthropic efforts worldwide.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters reflects values of stewardship (of historical architecture and resources), commitment to community (Chicago), and providing an inspiring, functional environment for its staff to pursue its mission.

Location:

The MacArthur Foundation supports initiatives and organizations globally, with dedicated offices in India, Mexico, and Nigeria complementing its Chicago headquarters. Its programs address worldwide challenges including climate change, nuclear risk reduction, criminal justice reform, and the strengthening of independent journalism and media. This international footprint allows the Foundation to invest in locally-led solutions and foster collaborations across diverse contexts to build a more just, verdant, and peaceful world.

Street Address:

140 S Dearborn St

City:

Chicago

State/Province:

IL

Country:

USA

Where Else Does MacArthur Foundation Operate Around the World?

New Delhi, India

Address: Core 4B, 4th Floor, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003, India

To support local organizations and initiatives in India aligned with the MacArthur Foundation's global mission, tailoring strategies to address specific challenges and opportunities within the Indian context.

Mexico City, Mexico

Address: Fundación MacArthur, Montes Urales 424, Lomas de Chapultepec, Miguel Hidalgo, 11000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

To advance the Foundation's objectives in Latin America by supporting effective institutions and initiatives that tackle critical regional challenges and promote social justice.

Abuja, Nigeria

Address: No. 1 Sankuru Close, Off Rima Street, Off Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria

To foster good governance, transparency, human rights, and citizen engagement in Nigeria and contribute to positive developments in the West African region.

Buying Intent Signals for MacArthur Foundation

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Hiring actively
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*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading MacArthur Foundation? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, MacArthur Foundation' leadership includes:

John Palfrey - President
Lori M. Addlesperger - Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
Walter L. Katz - Vice President, Program
Kristen M. Mack - Vice President, Communications, Fellows, and Partnerships
Joshua J. Mintz - Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary
Susan M. King - Vice President, Human Resources and Administration
Stephanie Platz - Managing Director, Programs
J.P. Julien - Managing Director, Impact Investments
Debra Schwartz - Managing Director, Impact Investments

Who's Investing in MacArthur Foundation?

MacArthur Foundation has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

The MacArthur Foundation is a private, independent foundation endowed by John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur. It does not seek or receive funding from external investors in the traditional commercial sense; its operations and grantmaking are funded by the returns on its endowment.

What Leadership Changes Has MacArthur Foundation Seen Recently?

Hire4
Exits1

Over the past 12 months (May 2023 - May 2024), the MacArthur Foundation has announced several key leadership appointments and transitions, including a new Vice President of Program, a new Vice President of Human Resources and Administration, a new Director of Impact Investments, and a new Director for its Nigeria Office following a retirement.

Departures

Dr. Kole A. Shettima, Dr. Kole A. Shettima retired after 24 years of service, having significantly shaped the Foundation's work in Africa.

New Appointments:

Walter L. Katz, Walter L. Katz appointed to lead and shape the Foundation's strategies in criminal justice reform.
Marc Z. Kahaner, Marc Z. Kahaner appointed to enhance the Foundation's capabilities in impact investments.
Susan M. King, Susan M. King appointed to lead human resources and administrative functions for the Foundation.
Dr. Amina Salihu, Dr. Amina Salihu appointed to lead the MacArthur Foundation's operations and grantmaking in Nigeria.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byMacArthur Foundation?

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MacArthur Foundation Email Formats and Examples

The MacArthur Foundation commonly uses an email format consisting of the employee's first initial followed by their full last name, then '@macfound.org'. This pattern is standard for professional communication with Foundation staff.

[first_initial][last]@macfound.org

Format

kmack@macfound.org

Example

85%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About MacArthur Foundation?

macfound.orgApril 25, 2024

MacArthur Foundation Announces More Than $15 Million to Support Local News Organizations

The MacArthur Foundation committed over $15 million in new funding to bolster local news ecosystems across the United States. The grants aim to strengthen nonprofit newsrooms and journalism organizations, fostering informed communities....more

macfound.orgMarch 7, 2024

MacArthur Foundation Awards $16 Million to Advance Racial and Ethnic Justice

The Foundation announced $16 million in grants to organizations working to advance racial and ethnic justice in the U.S. The funding supports efforts to combat anti-Blackness, promote healing, and address systemic inequities....more

macfound.orgJanuary 10, 2024

MacArthur Foundation Appoints Dr. Amina Salihu as New Director for Nigeria Office

Dr. Amina Salihu was named the new Director of the MacArthur Foundation's Nigeria Office. She succeeds Dr. Kole A. Shettima, who retired, and will lead the Foundation’s anti-corruption, accountability, and human rights work in Nigeria....more

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