MacArthur Foundation

“Sustainable development requires that we...begin at the bottom of the pyramid and invest up because everyone counts." Amina A Salihu, Deputy Director of our Nigeria office, recently spoke at the School of Politics, Policy & Governance (SPPG) about prioritizing inclusivity and community to bring about lasting change. Read more of her reflections at The Cable ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gqnfkkwS

How often are people visiting your neighborhood library? How many local news sources does your community have? These factors are among a range of indicators that the Civic Information Index shares to help explore civic health in counties across the U.S. Learn how the Index, created by Listening Post Collective, uses data like library visits and voter participation to create an overall Index score. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g5dgeMHM

For 45 years, MacArthur Fellows have expanded the boundaries of possibility by questioning conventions, crossing disciplines, and driving collective progress. #MacFellow Throughout 2026, we're celebrating the ground-breaking work of the Fellows and inspiring public dialogue through a series of nationwide events and conversations. At "We The Publics," Fellows Imani Perry and Emmanuel Pratt, along with educator and activist Omo Moses, discussed how regenerative design can be a tool for systemic justice and educational empowerment. "We the Publics," hosted at Sweet Water Foundation's Civic Arts Church, is a planned year-long series covering themes of freedom and overcoming. Learn more about the series and view upcoming Fellows at 45 events: https://lnkd.in/ghay7acJ

Humanity AI co-chair, John Palfrey, spoke with Inside Philanthropy to share how we are helping to create an AI future shaped by and for people. “The kinds of questions that we’re hoping to prompt through this effort are, how do we get a broader array of humans in the process of determining how AI can help our communities thrive, as opposed to being extractive?” says John about the inaugural grant announcement. We are interested in helping resource leaders and organizations who are looking to critically and equitable engage and advance this technology for good. To us, that looks like not only supporting research and technology-focused organizations, but also those from the arts, education, and humanities. We are excited and proud to support the essential and inspiring work of our first-ever grantees. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gmM5zYTP

The Courage Project recently announced its sixth slate of award recipients who show their bravery and support their neighbors in the face of hardship and uncertainty. From supporting veterans processing trauma, to restoring contaminated land, to expanding access to mental health care in rural communities, these honorees remind us that courage is often expressed through service to others. Learn more about the awardees: https://lnkd.in/dzQgwcvZ

"In rural places, when we don’t have access to public media, it can literally be a life-and-death situation." Stephanie Hyre of Press Forward Central Appalachia’s Rural News Fund shares why local news is critical to rural communities. Learn how organizations like the Rural News Fund are investing in infrastructure and resources to help sustain their local media landscape. Full story at Inside Philanthropy ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eGZAcpQN

Trust-based philanthropy requires program officers to be thought leaders, advocates, and strategic partners. Speaking with The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Stephanie Platz, Managing Director of Programs, shares how program officers are connecting with grantees to better understand their challenges and needs at scale. "There’s no way that AI would be able to replace a program officer doing something like that," she says. Read the full story ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eCA-YtBC

Press Forward’s spring impact report looks at how 130+ funders are helping strengthen local news, support communities, and build the future of local news philanthropy. Take a look! ⬇️

Mission Investors Exchange, the leading organization supporting foundations and other mission-driven investors, recently brought together 800 leaders to discuss the impact investment field’s top priorities and challenges. Check out highlights from the conference, which also marked the organization’s 20th anniversary! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/grHee_59