GENIUS!

The MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Grants

I was delighted on Tuesday when scanning the headlines and top stories (and then not so top stories) in the New York Times, I found something that I could be super happy, proud, and hopeful about.

Did you ever hear of the MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Grants? The Genius Grant is an unrestricted fellowship grant that recognizes “exceptional creativity” across genre… to the tune of $800,000 per fellow, distributed over a five year period. To me, the MacArthur Foundation Fellows, as the Foundation prefers them to be called, represent true superheroes of our time. I think the coolest parts are that the Fellows don’t apply for the grant—no, they are too busy doing the work they love, excelling, taking risks, stretching the limitations within their fields—whether they are recognized or not, money aside. In fact they are nominated and then selected through an anonymous process that incorporates a wide range of fields. Regardless of the segment, creativity and originality are key drivers… and it is that which results in their recognition as “Geniuses.” Each grant is a no-strings-attached stipend for each Fellow’s work. No-strings-attached means that the Fellowship is not based on the Fellows producing something specific through the funding, and the Fellows' performance is not evaluated during the Fellowship. Rather, the grant is “an investment in the potential of these extraordinarily talented and creative individuals.” 

Whether it is literature, art, theater, science, history, law, community activism—it is the true C-Suite in my book—Creativity that is. 2026 Fellows range in age from 29 to 69. It seems that most, if not all, were shocked, humbled, and gratified to be recognized. Yes, the money is important, but it is also the validation of their life’s work.

Please check out the 2026 MacArthur Foundation Fellows online. And if you look, you will find the announcement in your favorite news source, just not on the front page.

Credits: Image as published in the NYT, four of the twenty 2026 Genius Grant Winners, from left to right: Chip Thomas, Felipe De Brigard, Holly Jean Buck, Immanuel Wilkins. Photos: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.