MacArthur Foundation Boosts Giving by $150M to Combat Trump's Aid Cuts

The MacArthur Foundation has announced a significant increase in its giving, committing an additional $150 million over the next two years. This decision comes in response to the Trump administration's abrupt halt to foreign aid, which has been described as a "major crisis" for the sector.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAid) has been particularly affected by the Trump administration's actions. In February 2025, USAid employees and supporters rallied on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol to protest against the sudden closure of the agency. This closure has resulted in the cancellation of aid work, conflict prevention, and foreign policy work around the world, as well as the potential layoff of thousands of employees.

The MacArthur Foundation's increased giving is a direct response to this crisis. The foundation, which is one of the largest private foundations in the United States, has a long history of supporting international development and humanitarian efforts. The additional $150 million will be used to support organizations and initiatives that are working to mitigate the impact of the Trump administration's actions.

The foundation's decision to increase its giving is a reflection of the broader concern within the philanthropic community about the impact of the Trump administration's actions on international development and humanitarian efforts. Many organizations are scrambling to fill the gap left by the sudden halt to U.S. foreign aid, and the MacArthur Foundation's increased giving is a significant contribution to this effort.

However, the foundation's increased giving is not a long-term solution to the crisis. The Trump administration's actions have highlighted the need for a more sustainable and predictable funding mechanism for international development and humanitarian efforts. The philanthropic community can play a role in advocating for a more stable and effective funding mechanism, but ultimately, the responsibility for providing this funding lies with the U.S. government.