THE MACARTHUR Foundation has launched a new Peace Program aimed at strengthening the global peace and security ecosystem, marking a significant shift in its philanthropic strategy as rising conflict, geopolitical tensions and democratic challenges reshape the international landscape.
Announcing the initiative on its website in a perspective titled “Reimagining Peace: Introducing a Peace Program,” Foundation President, John Palfrey, said the world is at a critical juncture where traditional approaches to peacebuilding are under increasing strain but new opportunities are emerging to rethink and strengthen global cooperation.
According to the Foundation, the new program will focus on investing in the people, institutions, ideas, knowledge and networks that help societies prevent and address conflict, reinforce democratic resilience and foster more effective international cooperation. Rather than concentrating on individual projects or specific issues, the initiative will adopt a field-support approach designed to strengthen the broader peace and security ecosystem over the long term.
The Foundation said today’s global challenges – including climate change, migration, food insecurity, weakening multilateral institutions, intensifying geopolitical competition and increasing militarisation—have heightened the need for sustained investment in peacebuilding. It also noted that evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence, alongside pressures on civil liberties and democratic governance, are reshaping the conditions under which peace efforts operate.
Despite these challenges, the Foundation expressed optimism about the growing collaboration among peace and security practitioners worldwide. It said leaders across the field are developing new ideas, partnerships and strategies that deserve greater institutional backing.
As part of its funding model, the Peace Program intends to provide longer-term general operating grants built on trust and flexibility, enabling organisations to strengthen their institutional capacity rather than compete solely for project-based funding. The Foundation stressed, however, that long-term support would not constitute an indefinite funding commitment but would instead be based on deep and sustained partnerships.
The initiative follows a two-year consultation process during which MacArthur staff engaged with funders, grantees, practitioners and leaders across the peace and security sector. Those discussions highlighted both the growing pressures facing the field – including declining public and private investment in global development – and the resilience and innovation demonstrated by organisations working to prevent conflict and promote peace.
The Foundation also plans to recruit a director and dedicated team to shape the program’s long-term strategy, emphasising that it will continue evolving through ongoing collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
External voices welcomed the announcement. Melanie Greenberg, Managing Director of Programs at Humanity United, said emerging global networks connecting social movements and peacebuilding communities have created new opportunities for healing, justice and social transformation. Alexandra I. Toma, Executive Director of the Peace and Security Funders Group, described the initiative as a timely commitment at a moment when levels of violent conflict are at their highest since the Second World War, saying it could encourage greater innovation and investment across the sector.
The Foundation said the new Peace Program builds on its decades-long engagement in international peace and security dating back to the 1980s, during which it has supported research, policy innovation and cross-border collaboration. It also cited its continued support for organisations such as Search for Common Ground, the International Crisis Group and Girl Security as part of its broader commitment to strengthening the field.
The MacArthur Foundation said that by investing in the infrastructure, ideas and people shaping peacebuilding efforts, it hopes to help create more resilient societies and contribute to a more just and peaceful world for future generations.
