How Can We Defend Democracy? By Taking Big Bets Together.
Across the globe, institutions that uphold democratic values are under attack. Even philanthropy is now facing growing scrutiny.
John Palfrey, President of the MacArthur Foundation and McNulty Prize Juror, sat down with Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Dele Olojede, Founder and Host of Africa in the World, to discuss what it means to lead in a moment when philanthropy’s legal footing—and the freedom to give—has come under threat, and how we can firmly bend the arc towards a more just future.
Justice doesn't just happen because we will it to. But the arc of history can bend toward justice if we bend it that way. It doesn't bend itself, of course. It bent because people of moral values and courage stood up.
For John, the principle is clear: the freedom to give is not the business of government. Philanthropy was created, in part, to take the risks that other institutions cannot. And in moments of uncertainty, that means philanthropy has a responsibility to take those risks boldly.
A fierce advocate for multicultural democracy, Palfrey has championed the independence of philanthropy and encouraged foundations to give generously amid growing global disruption, and has emerged as a trusted voice for social change. At MacArthur, that conviction has taken the form of long-term, “big bets,” providing sustained support and sufficient capital to institutions and ideas that can shape the future. This includes a $100 million grant aimed at preventing the next pandemic and a growing investment in reviving local journalism across America’s news deserts.
John lays out the needs for such investments plainly: “A third of America does not have local news.” The consequences go beyond alienation and ignorance. When local journalism disappears, so do institutions that help communities understand what is happening around them and participate meaningfully in civic life. Until the industry can find a new model, MacArthur has formed a coalition of philanthropies as a lifeline, with 130 partners investing in 45 communities to re-energize investment in local news.
With the proliferation of AI, we are behind a veil of ignorance about what the future holds. But philanthropy has the power to resource courageous individuals, turn ideas into action, and thoughtfully bend the arc of history—especially as a new wave of philanthropy emerges from the unprecedented wealth and influence of major AI companies.
McNulty Prize Winners are dreaming of a future that doesn’t exist yet, but could… Philanthropy allows us to imagine that irresistible future that we believe is possible across food service, economic vitality, and peace in Ukraine.
For the McNulty Foundation, this also speaks to a fundamental belief: supporting communities when they are most vulnerable means being willing to take risks alongside the leaders closest to the challenges.
Watch the full conversation at the Action Forum to delve deeper into these remarkable insights: