The MacArthur Foundation has announced that it will be awarding another $100 million to a single project in the third iteration of its global 100&Change competition. For the first time, applicants must address diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in their grant proposals. This decision comes at a time when various institutions nationwide are disbanding DEI efforts, with the U.S. House of Representatives shutting down its office of diversity and inclusion in the latest budget and 12 states passing legislation opposing DEI efforts in colleges and universities since 2023.
The inclusion of DEI requirements in the 100&Change competition aligns with the MacArthur Foundation’s “Just Imperative” commitment to justice. Applicants are asked to consider factors such as who came up with the idea, who designed the project, who will staff and manage it, and who will benefit from it, particularly focusing on marginalized populations or those with significant needs. MacArthur and Lever for Change will review applications, emphasizing that the filter for DEI is wide open and not a barrier to entry.
The requirement to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion in grant applications has faced scrutiny from Michael Hartmann, a senior fellow at the Capital Research Center, who believes that such efforts are becoming more unpopular and may decrease public trust in philanthropy. He points to recent Supreme Court rulings and pending cases that challenge race-based grant-making programs. However, MacArthur Foundation remains committed to supporting projects that address these important issues and will continue to provide large grants to spur nonprofits to think big without the burden of constant grant writing.
The 100&Change competition is open to projects globally and can involve collaborations among multiple groups. Previous winners of the $100 million grant, such as Community Solutions, have used the funding to make significant impact in their respective fields. Community Solutions, for example, dedicated part of its award to acquiring housing in large cities, which attracted additional impact investors and financial allies. With the endorsement of MacArthur, this nonprofit was able to expand its reach, reduce homelessness rates in multiple cities, and build confidence among the public that homelessness is a resolvable issue.
The MacArthur Foundation’s large grants have not only supported innovative projects but have also drawn more philanthropic resources to the causes they address. Since the inception of the 100&Change competition, donors have given over $500 million to winners and finalists, amplifying the impact of these initiatives. With the current focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, the foundation aims to support projects that are inclusive, just, and impactful. By providing substantial funding to organizations like Community Solutions, MacArthur continues to catalyze positive change and advance solutions to pressing social challenges.
Overall, the MacArthur Foundation’s commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion through the 100&Change competition underscores its dedication to supporting transformative projects on a global scale. By emphasizing the importance of DEI in grant applications, the foundation aims to address systemic inequalities and uplift marginalized communities. Through partnerships and collaborations, MacArthur seeks to amplify the impact of innovative initiatives and inspire others in the philanthropic sector to prioritize justice and equity in their work.
