MacArthur Foundation: Unlocking Capital for Social Good
Questions:
How does one of the largest foundations in the world ensure it uses all of its financial resources for good? How does it learn from new developments in the field, while testing for outcomes that will best serve its unique approach to social change in the areas of housing, the arts, health, and the environment? How does a funder create tools and solve problems when confronted with "certain challenges grants are not suited to address?”
Brief:
The MacArthur case study considers the role of Program Related Investments in stimulating greater alignment between social enterprises and financial markets to achieve common objectives. It showcases five examples of the foundation going beyond grantmaking to develop investment strategies in diverse areas across two decades of evolving work. MacArthur’s investment program, nearly 30 years old, has made approximately $450 million in investments that push the envelope for innovative transformation around the world.