MacArthur Foundation

The MacArthur Foundation is a U.S. foundation with the goal of supporting people and institutions that are working for "a more just, verdant, and peaceful world", according to the foundation's Web site. The foundation yearly selects about 20 to 30 American citizens or residents for the MacArthur Fellows Program. The fellows each receive $500,000 over the next five years without any restrictions on the use of it. The grant is often called the "genius grant". The foundation also provides grants and loans through three other programs.The MacArthur Foundation Official Site: MacArthur Foundation

The MacArthur Fellows Program announced its 25 fellows for 2008 on September 23. Recipients included artists, writers, physicians, musicians, a historian of medicine and more. 13 of the recipients were scientists and 8 were artists. The fellows are usually between 20 and 30, but there is no limit on the number awarded. The nomination and selection take place anonymously. The nomination process begins from invitations within the foundation, and the public cannot nominate anyone without being contacted first. The grant focuses on awarding fellows with much potential for the future.The MacArthur Foundation Official Site: About the Program