Investment Assets
The Foundation uses two methods for the ongoing management of its investment assets: an investment portfolio designed to earn a financial return sufficient to support a substantial, stable level of grantmaking and related operating activity over the planning horizon; and an impact investments portfolio dedicated to the advancement of the Foundation's program and philanthropic purposes.
Investment Portfolio
As of December 31, 2023, MacArthur's assets totaled $8.6 billion. The Foundation's investment portfolio had a return of 10.92 percent in 2023, net of investment management costs.
- The Foundation maintains a broadly diversified portfolio with allocation to a variety of asset classes, both public and private, largely through investments in multi-investor pooled funds managed by outside investment managers that invest in underlying companies or securities.
- The Foundation manages risk through rigorous analytical research and broad diversification.
- The Foundation undertakes a robust due diligence process prior to investing that includes the examination and evaluation of managers’ consideration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors.
- The Foundation seeks to achieve strong, risk-adjusted net investment returns over time, at a cost comparable to other institutions with similar asset allocations.
Total Assets & Returns: 2014 - 2023
*Compounded annual rate of return, 2014-2023: 8.52% — (Rate of return on investments assets only.)
Total Assets & Returns: 2014 - 2023
| Year | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | $6.5B | $6.2B | $6.3B | $7.0B | $6.5B | $7.2B | $8.2B | $9.4B | $8.2B | $8.6B |
| Returns | 6.97% | 0.55% | 7.36% | 16.7% | -1.97% | 17.07% | 19.52% | 21.78% | -9.30% | 10.92% |
*Compounded annual rate of return, 2014-2023: 8.52%*
Impact Investments Portfolio
Since 1983, MacArthur has complemented grantmaking with impact investments that directly advance program priorities and strategic initiatives and increase capital for the social sector generally.
The Board authorizes an allocation of up to $500 million for impact investments. As of December 31, 2023, $382.4 million was committed to impact investments, including unfunded guarantees and staged investments not yet fully disbursed.
Outstanding commitments comprise loans (48 percent), private equity investments (33 percent), and guarantees (19 percent).