MacArthur Offers New Grants to Reward Small Charities for 'Creativity and Effectiveness'

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, in Chicago, has created a new annual awards program — with grants of up to $500,000 each — for small nonprofit groups that demonstrate "exceptional creativity and effectiveness."

The foundation said it will give the money to groups that have budgets under $2.5-million, show strong leadership and stable financial management, have reached a critical point in their development, and have previously received MacArthur grants.

"It is often small or emerging organizations that generate provocative ideas, reframe the debate, or provide new ways of looking at persistent problems," Jonathan Fanton, the foundation's president, said in a statement.

The foundation said it will not seek or accept nominations for the award. This year's winners — nine groups have been selected by the board, but not yet notified — will be announced at a ceremony in October in Chicago.

The foundation is also known for the MacArthur Fellows Program, dubbed the "genius awards," which gives $500,000 to 25 people each year to help them pursue creative work.