MacArthur Fellows Program

For the award in the fields of ecology, see Robert H. MacArthur Award.

MacArthur Fellows Program
Sponsored byThe John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
Date1981; 43 years ago (1981)
Websitehttps://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/

The MacArthur Fellows Program, also known as the MacArthur Fellowship and colloquially called the "Genius Grant",[a] is a prize awarded annually by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to typically between 20 and 30 individuals working in any field who have shown "extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction" and are citizens or residents of the United States.[5]

According to the foundation's website, "the fellowship is not a reward for past accomplishments but rather an investment in a person's originality, insight, and potential", but it also says such potential is "based on a track record of significant accomplishments". The current prize is $800,000 paid over five years in quarterly installments. Previously, it was $625,000. This figure was increased from $500,000 in 2013 with the release of a review[6] of the MacArthur Fellows Program. The award has been called "one of the most significant awards that is truly 'no strings attached'".[7]

The program does not accept applications. Anonymous and confidential nominations are invited by the foundation and reviewed by an anonymous and confidential selection committee of about a dozen people. The committee reviews all nominees and recommends recipients to the president and board of directors. Most new fellows first learn of their nomination and award upon receiving a congratulatory phone call. MacArthur Fellow Jim Collins described this experience in an editorial column of The New York Times.[3]

Marlies Carruth is the program's current director.[8]

  1. ^ "MacArthur Fellows Frequently Asked Questions". MacArthur Foundation. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  2. ^ Conrad, Cecilia A. (20 September 2013). "Five Myths About the MacArthur 'Genius Grants'". MacArthur Foundation. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  3. ^ a b Jim Collins (19 September 2005). "It isn't easy being a genius". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 18 April 2015. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  4. ^ Viet Thanh Nguyen (14 April 2018). "Don't call me a genius". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  5. ^ "MacArthur Fellows Strategy". MacArthur Foundation. Archived from the original on 2 April 2012. Retrieved 20 November 2015.
  6. ^ "Review Affirms Impact and Inspiration of MacArthur Fellows Program". MacArthur Foundation. 27 August 2013. Archived from the original on 29 November 2020. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  7. ^ Harris, Dianne (2007). The Complete Guide to Writing Effective & Award-Winning Grants: Step-By-Step Instructions. Atlantic Publishing Company. pp. 85–86. ISBN 9781601380463. Archived from the original on 26 May 2013.
  8. ^ "Director - MacArthur Foundation".


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