Big Bets
Striving toward transformative change in areas of profound concern.
Climate Solutions ›
Working to prevent climate change by curbing emissions and supporting global leadership on climate solutions.
Criminal Justice ›
Working to address over-incarceration by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails.
Impact Investments ›
Providing flexible loans and other financial instruments to help nonprofit and social enterprises grow and leverage capital to meet the needs of underserved people and communities.
Nuclear Challenges ›
Working to reduce nuclear threats by decreasing the availability and use of weapons-useable material.
On Nigeria ›
Promoting an atmosphere of accountability, transparency, and good governance in Nigeria by reducing retail corruption and strengthening Nigerian-led anti-corruption efforts.
Enduring Commitments
Areas of work in which we have a long-standing, deep, and unwavering engagement
Chicago Commitment ›
Connecting and integrating the city of Chicago, so prosperity is shared, opportunity is equitable, and civic and cultural assets are available to everyone.
Journalism & Media ›
Strengthening American democracy by informing, engaging, and activating Americans through deep investments in independent journalism and media.
Awards
100&Change ›
A competition for a $100 million grant to fund a single proposal that promises real and measurable progress in solving a critical problem of our time.
MacArthur Fellows›
Celebrating and inspiring the creative potential of individuals through no-strings-attached fellowships.
MacArthur Award for Creative & Effective Institutions ›
Continuing MacArthur's tradition of encouraging creativity and building effective institutions to help address some of the world's most challenging problems.
Changing Work
American Democracy ›
Conducting a time-limited exploration of ways to strengthen democracy in the U.S., given our perception that the political system has failed to adequately address major issues confronting the nation.
Community & Economic Development ›
Exploring new ways to understand the challenges faced by cities around the world, and how to plan, manage, and govern to address them.
Conservation & Sustainable Development ›
Preserving ecosystems and species and to promote development that respects the environment.
Digital Media & Learning ›
Creating more opportunities for more youth to engage in learning that is relevant to their lives and prepares them for success in school, the workplace, and their community.
Girls' Secondary Education in Developing Countries ›
Seeking to nurture learner-centered secondary education models that equip economically marginalized girls with a core set of 21st century skills and attributes.
Housing ›
Supporting more balanced, forward-looking housing policies that acknowledge the importance of affordable rental housing and the role that various attributes of housing may play in promoting strong, resilient families and vibrant communities.
Human Rights ›
Aiming to defend freedom of expression and enhance criminal justice globally. View Climate Solutions ›
International Peace & Security›
Working to broaden and strengthen the field of international peace and security.
Juvenile Justice ›
Seeking to improve conditions for vulnerable migrants, while laying the groundwork for fundamental improvements in migration policies and practices at the national, regional, and global levels over the longer term.
Policy Research ›
Advancing the development of more effective domestic policies by working to increase the policy impact of all strategies in the Foundation’s U.S. Programs.
Population & Reproductive Health ›
Working to reduce maternal mortality and improve the quality of maternal and reproductive health care in India, Mexico, and Nigeria.
Our International Offices
Learn more about the work conducted from our international offices in India, Mexico, and Nigeria. You may also view our Spanish language site for work in Mexico.