MacArthur is one of the nation’s largest independent foundations. Through the support it provides, the Foundation fosters the development of knowledge, nurtures individual creativity, strengthens institutions, helps improve public policy, and provides information to the public, primarily through support for public interest media.

The Foundation makes grants and loans through four programs: International Programs; U.S. Programs; Media, Culture and Special Initiatives; and the MacArthur Fellows Program.

Today, the City of Chicago is both a recognized center of community and civic engagement, and an active player in international affairs.

The RFK Center’s core programs focus on the power of the individual, working through alliances and organizations, to generate change. The RFK Partners for Human Rights bolster the efficacy of human rights defenders through sustained, strategic partnerships, extending their reach to legislators, diplomats, international institutions, and corporations. RFK Speak Truth to Power educates students and the public about human rights issues and provides the tools for creating change in their communities; RFK Compass convenes the financial community to advance a discussion of the connections among investment performance, fiduciary duty, and public interest issues to optimize risk-adjusted rates of returns and address current and future global challenges. Through its offices in Florence, Italy, RFK Eurpoe extends its human rights education and advocacy programs across Europe, raising awareness and igniting change.

The RFK Center amplifies the work of activists, authors, journalists, and students to a global audience through five annual awards. The RFK Human Rights Award recognizes an individual who stands up to oppression at grave personal risk in the nonviolent pursuit of human rights. The RFK Book Award honors the book that most forcefully reflects Robert Kennedy’s priorities: concern for the poor and the powerless, the struggle for even-handed justice, and a remedy for disparities of power and opportunity. The RFK Journalism Awards celebrate excellence in investigative journalism on a wide spectrum of social justice issues. RFK Europe established the RFK High School and University Journalism Award to recognize the achievements of youth who investigate human rights issues and advocate for change. The RFK Ripple of Hope Award lauds leaders of the international business, entertainment, and activist communities who demonstrate commitment to social change.

In the tradition of Robert Kennedy, the RFK Center has forged effective collaborations with NGOs, universities, legal clinics, and the media on behalf of oppressed communities.

As nonprofit organizations, local governments and businesses strive to tackle issues of concern, the Trust provides civic leadership bringing all stakeholders to the common table. Working together, the Trust, its donors and its community partners leverage collective knowledge, creativity and resources for a greater impact than any of us can make alone.

A not-for-profit corporation directed by Rita R. Athas, World Business Chicago advances Chicago’s position as a thriving global business location and enhances the city’s economy by fostering growth in the private sector; building the best city in the world in which to live, work, and play.

WBC’s staff navigates the site selection process for businesses by providing economic and industry data, site location assistance, state and local incentive information, and bringing together key parties to spur and accelerate economic growth. WBC’s Board of Directors includes prominent business leaders who guide the enhancement of Chicago’s economy through the growth of its business community.