We are united around the globe by an unprecedented crisis—and by a common sense of purpose.
We are connected by our humanity as we adapt our lives to navigate the rapidly evolving COVID-19 as it spreads throughout the world. What remains constant in this time of uncertainty is MacArthur’s unwavering commitment, support, and concern for all of the organizations and people the Foundation supports through its grantmaking and impact investments.
We are sobered by the sudden change and serious hardship that the growing pandemic has already caused—disrupting operations and services at a time when people need them more. In light of these concerns, MacArthur’s Program Officers are reaching out to all current grantees and borrowers to take stock of critical impacts, to identify responsive ways of partnering through the crisis, and to provide the maximum amount of flexibility possible in the continued work that is our joint mission.
In Chicago, our hometown, MacArthur has joined more than 30 local funders to support the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund, which will provide flexible resources to community-based organizations across the region to supply essential aid to the individuals and households who are most impacted by the pandemic. MacArthur’s Chicago Commitment and Journalism and Media programs are adjusting their grantmaking to assist organizations whose work has been affected and may need additional support. The Chicago Commitment will assist grant recipients such as arts and culture, neighborhood development, and violence prevention organizations. Journalism and Media will assist community-based media outlets that may need support to help with this crisis.
All of this has been supported by MacArthur’s amazing staff, who have transferred from an in-person to a virtual organization and done so effectively. We recognize that social distancing is a new experience for all of us. Everyone has done their part to ensure that we remain as connected as possible, and I continue to emphasize the importance of self-care.
I hope you are being good to yourself and others during these uncertain times. And I hope we will find opportunity in this unprecedented moment of unity, as people in every community, city, country, and continent simultaneously work to slow the pandemic. Be assured that MacArthur is firmly committed to helping our grantee partners find ways to carry out their missions at this challenging time. We will weather this storm. More than ever, our efforts are needed to help build a better future for us all.
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