MacArthur Foundation to Recognize Small, Creative And Effective

[22 June 2006 - MacArthur Foundation] The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is creating a new annual award of up to $500,000 each for a select group of small non-profit organizations around the world that have shown unusual effectiveness and creativity, Foundation President Jonathan Fanton announced today. “It is often small or emerging organizations that generate provocative ideas, reframe the debate, or provide new ways of looking at persistent problems,” said Fanton in remarks to the Donors Forum of Chicago today. “Some are particularly effective at delivering services or challenging old paradigms. A significant investment in such promising organizations can contribute to progress on an issue or in an area of work, and can also help position a small or new organization for long-term growth and impact. ... Individual creativity is important. Government plays a big role, as does the private market.  But can we imagine life without the institutions that educate us, help us comprehend a complex world, and bring us together with others, empowering each of us to work together in pursuit of a more just and humane world at peace?” More