Financial Overview
In 2016, the Foundation paid out $273.5 million in grants and impact investments to organizations and individuals in the United States and around the world.
Actual cash paid out varies from year to year depending on payment schedules of larger grants. Since 1978, the Foundation has awarded more than 23,855 grants totalling over $6.3 billion to more than 9,954 creative people and effective institutions committed to addressing some of the most challenging social problems in the United States and around the world. MacArthur's charitable administrative expenses totaled $45.7 million in 2016, about 14.2 percent of total charitable expenses.
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2016 Program Budgets
Program budgets are approved by the Foundation Board of Directors. Working pursuant to these budgets, the Foundation approves grants and makes expenditures during the year. We share these budgets so that you can better understand the Foundation's priorities.
Budget by Program*
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20171119193318im_/https://www.macfound.org/media/photos/Budget-by-Program-2.png)
*In addition to grants, $8.3 million was authorized for impact investments.
Big Bets ›
Striving toward transformative change in areas of profound concern, Big Bets are an all-in, timely commitment of talent, resources, time, and reputation toward real change that matters for many people.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20171119193318im_/https://www.macfound.org/media/photos/Big-Bets_HwrxhjA.png)
Enduring Commitments
Areas of work in which we have long-standing, deep, and unwavering engagement.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20171119193318im_/https://www.macfound.org/media/photos/Enduring-Commitments_-3.png)
Learn more about our Chicago Commitment ›
Awards & Special Projects
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20171119193318im_/https://www.macfound.org/media/photos/Awards-Special-Projects-2.png)
Changing Work
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20171119193318im_/https://www.macfound.org/media/photos/Changing-Work_i9i3D7j.png)