Campaign Legal Center Receives MacArthur Foundation Award for Creative & Effective Institutions

The Campaign Legal Center is one of seven nonprofit organizations around the world to receive the 2014 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. The Award, which was announced today, recognizes exceptional nonprofit organizations who have demonstrated creativity and impact, and invests in their long-term sustainability with sizable one-time grants. 

The Campaign Legal Center is recognized for its work in reducing the influence of money in the political system, strengthening voting rights, and regulating lobbying. By doing so, the Legal Center works to strengthen the institutions and practice of American democracy through its work in the courts and with legislative, administrative and regulatory bodies across the country as well as through its work educating the public and helping to encourage and train a new generation of voting rights attorneys.

"At the Campaign Legal Center, we work hard to better the working of our democracy, and while we know that we do have an impact, we are truly humbled by this prestigious recognition of our work and by the generosity of the MacArthur Foundation," said Campaign Legal Center President Trevor Potter.  “We are incredibly grateful to the MacArthur Foundation for this strong vote of confidence in our work and for funding which will allow us to invest in the future work of the Campaign Legal Center.”

“From exposing human rights abuses in cyberspace to reducing the influence of money in American politics, the missions of these organizations are diverse,” said MacArthur President Robert Gallucci. “They share in common their demonstrated impact in improving the lives of people and communities. MacArthur hopes these investments will sustain and expand the reach of that impact.”

According to MacArthur, the Award is not only recognition for past leadership and success but also an investment in the future. The Campaign Legal Center will use its $750,000 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions to build up its reserve fund and redesign its website.

For these Awards, the Foundation does not seek or accept nominations. To qualify, organizations must demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness; have reached a critical or strategic point in their development; show strong leadership and stable financial management; have previously received MacArthur support; and engage in work central to one of MacArthur’s core programs.

Additional information about why MacArthur selected the Campaign Legal Center for the Award and to watch an overview video, click here.

Additional information about the other winning organizations, as well as overview videos about their work, is available at www.macfound.org/maceis.