As of 2025, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation awards MacArthur Fellowships (commonly referred to as 'MacArthur Fellows' or 'genius grants') to individuals described as 'extraordinarily talented and creative' as an investment in their potential.
October 08, 2025
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Purpose and description of the MacArthur Fellowship program.
As of 2025, each MacArthur Fellowship is a no-strings-attached cash award of $800,000.
October 08, 2025
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Monetary terms of the MacArthur Fellowship award.
As of 2025, the MacArthur Fellows selection process involves nomination and vetting and can take many months or sometimes years.
October 08, 2025
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General timeline and procedural description of how MacArthur Fellows are selected.
Elizabeth Simons and her husband formed the Heising-Simons Foundation in 2007 to support environmental, educational, and social policy causes.
January 01, 2007
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Founding purpose and year of the family foundation
Elizabeth Simons is the chair of the board of the Heising-Simons Foundation.
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Leadership position at a family philanthropic foundation
The Heising-Simons Foundation is a member of gun control advocacy organizations including Fund for a Safer Future and Hope and Heal Fund.
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Organizational affiliations of the family foundation
James "Jim" Simons founded the hedge fund Renaissance Technologies and built a personal fortune estimated at $31.4 billion while donating billions to charity.
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Biographical and financial background of the hedge fund founder