The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking institution dedicated to helping groups and individuals foster lasting improvement in the human condition. Through the support it provides, the Foundation fosters the development of knowledge, nurtures individual creativity, strengthens institutions, helps improve public policy, and provides information to the public, primarily through support for public interest media.
The Foundation makes grants through four programs and by making program-related investments.
The Program on Global Security and Sustainability focuses on international issues, including peace and security, conservation and sustainable development, population and reproductive health, and human rights and international justice. International offices are located in Mexico, India, Nigeria, and Russia.
The Program on Human and Community Development operates primarily within the United States. Issues of interest to the program include community development; regional policy; affordable housing, with a particular emphasis on the preservation of rental housing; and system reform in education, juvenile justice, and mental health. In addition to grants, the program makes program-related investments, primarily for affordable housing and to U.S.-based community development financial institutions.
The General Program supports public interest media, including public radio and the production of independent documentary film. Grants are made to arts and cultural institutions in the Chicago area and for special initiatives, currently including intellectual property rights in a digital environment.
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