MacArthur Foundation✓

Meet the 2026 MacArthur Fellows! These 20 individuals explore the depths of our humanity, reveal untold origins to modern challenges, and expand the edges of scientific inquiry and life-saving research. #MacFellow

A new @NORCNews poll shows 78% of Illinois residents have tried AI, but only 12% trust the results, and 72% say they’ll never let AI make decisions for them. With growing concerns over jobs and regulation, Illinoisans are asking for stronger public oversight. View the poll and its findings here:

A small investigative newsroom and MacArthur grantee, Floodlight, used a thermal drone to expose a NJ data center illegally running 45+ unpermitted gas generators. Thanks to this reporting, the state fined DataOne over $1M.

Over the next decade, newsrooms will close, attacks on press freedoms will continue, and audience preferences and habits will continue to shift. That means now more than ever, we must stay committed to local news and mobilize resources to help build and retain a flourishing information ecosystem. We’ve committed more than $185 million to this effort, because local news matters. Whether it’s local outlets right here in Chicago or rural Appalachia, we know we can continue to scale the diverse local news archetype models we’re creating across the nation. Read more about the work we’re doing to create the conditions for local news to thrive:

Benefit Chicago is celebrating ten years of investing in nonprofits and social enterprises, and the results are incredible: $1B in financing, 3,300 affordable homes, 11,000 jobs, and dozens of organizations achieving success. Check out the full report here:

The industries that power our economy are also destroying the ecosystems and livelihoods that sustain them. Watch the story of West Texas ranchers battling a megadrought in MacArthur grantee Capital & Main's “The Damage Done” series, investigating what happens when we extract first and deal with the consequences later.

AI is being integrated across society—how is this impacting our home state of Illinois? This summer, @NORCNews conducted a public opinion poll on Illinoisans’ views of statewide AI regulation and accountability. They found that Illinois residents are using AI, but remain skeptical. Join this webinar on October 26th at 11am CT to learn more about the poll findings. Register now:

When we let our Fellows choose what to study, it opens their research to new and innovative areas that might otherwise get overlooked. MacArthur’s Kristen Mack writes about the amazing work of our Fellows in USA Today:

How could $750 million in impact investment capital affect some of the world's biggest challenges? We’re going to find out. Today, we're announcing that we are increasing our impact investment allocation by 50%, to create a $750 million pool of dedicated capital. 📷: Deeply Rooted Dance Theater

In the first year of increased federal immigration enforcement, Cook County lost approximately $1.26 billion in retail and restaurant activity and $107 million in local sales tax revenue. The University of Illinois Chicago’s Great Cities Institute, with support from MacArthur grantee Metropolitan Family Services in support of United for Chicago, documented this financial impact in their new report: "Hunkering Down: Immigration Enforcement’s Economic Cost". Read the full report here ⬇️

A Beyoncé show is done with courage, unbridled joy, and spaces where everyone sees themselves reflected. We should practice philanthropy with the same philosophy she brings to every concert.

The best outcomes in philanthropy happen when different types of givers work together. Read The Milken Institute’s latest report on how when foundation leaders and corporate givers collaborate, the impact is exponential.

Banking institutions aren’t meeting the needs of disabled people. We’re looking to change that: We’re helping fund Artichoke Credit Union, a new, first-of-its-kind credit union designed specifically for the disability community.

Clarification: the deadline to submit applications is 7:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026.

We're excited to share Humanity AI’s first open call for grant funding! Through this open call, Humanity AI is looking to support community-led efforts aligned with three core issue areas — education, labor and economy, and the humanities, arts, and culture. The deadline to submit applications is 7:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2026. Learn more about eligibility requirements ⬇️

"We don’t own the moon, but we’re behaving as though we did." 2022 #MacFellow Moriba Jah is an astrodynamicist laying the foundation for a safe, prosperous, and sustainable near-Earth space environment. In a recent opinion piece for @Guardian, he encourages a more conscientious approach to space exploration. Read the full article ⬇️

"Without exception, every high performer I’ve studied credits a host of supporters for success." Writing for @nytimes, #MacFellow Angela Duckworth shares why seeking assistance is critical to achievement. Read the full article ⬇️

This moment calls for creative courage. For 45 years, MacArthur Fellows have expanded the boundaries of possibility by questioning conventions, crossing disciplines, and driving collective progress. Throughout 2026, the Foundation is celebrating the groundbreaking work of the Fellows and inspiring public dialogue through a series of nationwide events and conversations. Visit our website to learn how you can celebrate creativity and explore connections at an upcoming event! #MacFellow 🔗

Save the date! On Tuesday, September 29, we will announce the 2026 MacArthur Fellows. Sign up for our newsletter to be one of the first to receive the news! 🔗

Congratulations to this year's Leaders for a New Chicago! This award recognizes community-based leaders who are redefining civic leadership and reimagining Chicago’s future. The initiative, a collaboration between MacArthur and @FieldFoundation, provides $50,000 in unrestricted funding to each leader. Meet the awardees! ⬇️