Nila Kartika Wati
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding in 2026, the role of charitable foundations and nonprofit organizations in shaping civic life has come under renewed scrutiny. Traditionally viewed as engines of social welfare and scientific progress, these institutions are increasingly being recognized for their "narrative power"—the ability to influence the stories a society tells about its past, present, and future. For the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, one of the nation’s largest independent grantmaking bodies, this milestone serves as a catalyst for a profound reassessment of how philanthropy can foster a more inclusive sense of national belonging. The foundation’s current strategy emphasizes that narratives are not merely reflections of reality but are active tools that can either bridge societal divides or entrench systemic inequities.
The intersection of culture and philanthropy was recently highlighted by the cultural impact of Beyoncé’s "Cowboy Carter" era, specifically her performances at venues such as Chicago’s Soldier Field. The artist’s reclamation of American iconography—ranging from the American flag to the traditional attire of the American West—serves as a high-profile example of how narrative can be used to assert ownership over a national identity that has historically excluded Black and Brown communities. During her Soldier Field performance, a sign reading "Never seek permission for something that already belongs to you" framed the event, signaling a shift from seeking inclusion to asserting inherent rights. This cultural moment has provided a blueprint for philanthropic leaders who seek to practice "courageous and bold" grantmaking, moving away from traditional gatekeeping toward the creation of spaces where all citizens see their histories reflected.
The Evolution of Narrative Power in the Philanthropic Sector
Narrative power is defined by sociologists and communication strategists as the ability to change the norms and values that govern a society by shifting the underlying stories that shape public perception. In the context of the American Semiquincentennial, philanthropy has a unique responsibility to ensure that the 250-year history of the United States is presented in its full complexity. This involves moving beyond the "flattened" or "erased" versions of history that often dominate public discourse during patriotic celebrations. The MacArthur Foundation has signaled its intent to use its institutional voice to defend truth and complexity, particularly at a time when the nation faces significant political and social polarization.
A central component of this strategy is the adoption of "inclusive communications." This methodology focuses on whose voices are elevated, which stories are prioritized, and whose wisdom is centered in the decision-making process. By shifting the focus to "right relationship" with the communities they serve, foundations are attempting to move away from the paternalistic models of the 20th century toward a collaborative model of civic engagement. This transition is not merely cosmetic; it involves a fundamental change in the language used to describe social challenges and the people affected by them.
Shifting from Deficit-Based to Asset-Based Frameworks
A critical tool in the reshaping of philanthropic narrative is the move from deficit-based language to asset-based language. For decades, the nonprofit sector often defined communities by their problems—poverty, crime, lack of education, or disenfranchisement. While intended to highlight the need for resources, this "deficit-based" framing frequently resulted in the dehumanization of the very people the organizations sought to help, reinforcing stereotypes and ignoring the agency of the individuals within those communities.
In contrast, asset-based language emphasizes the personhood, dignity, and aspirations of community members. Instead of focusing solely on what is missing, this approach highlights existing strengths, cultural contributions, and the potential for collective action. According to communications experts, this framing helps to reshape narratives around systemic issues. Rather than blaming individual actions for socioeconomic conditions, asset-based storytelling demonstrates how inequitable systems have created current challenges, while simultaneously showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of the people navigating those systems. This linguistic shift is designed to support the dismantling of oppressive structures by reinforcing the idea that communities possess the inherent power to drive their own transformation.
Correcting Historical Erasure: The Marquette Building Intervention
The physical presence of philanthropic institutions often carries its own narrative weight. The MacArthur Foundation’s headquarters in Chicago, the Marquette Building, provides a poignant example of how architecture can perpetuate harmful historical tropes. Named after the 17th-century French Jesuit missionary and explorer Jacques Marquette, the building is situated on the ancestral lands of the Potawatomi people. Historically, the building’s ornamentation and architecture have been criticized for promoting a stereotypical and Eurocentric narrative regarding the "discovery" of the Midwest and the role of Native peoples.
To address this, the foundation recently facilitated a narrative intervention titled "Nwi Yathmomen" (We Will Tell Our Story). This project, led by Native leaders and scholars, asserts the continued presence and vibrancy of Indigenous communities in Chicago and the broader Midwest. By integrating the Potawatomi language and contemporary Indigenous perspectives into the physical space of its headquarters, the foundation is attempting to reconcile its institutional history with the reality of those who were displaced. This intervention serves as a micro-level example of the "ancestor and descendant work" that the foundation believes is necessary for the next 250 years of American life. It acknowledges historical inequities without defining the Potawatomi people solely by their victimization, instead focusing on their resilience and ongoing stewardship of the land.
Supporting Inclusive Narratives for the 250th Anniversary
As the 2026 milestone approaches, the MacArthur Foundation has committed to supporting a diverse range of storytelling initiatives in Chicago and across the nation. These projects are intended to unearth the contradictions and complexities of the American experience, particularly for groups whose contributions have been historically marginalized. Supporting data suggests that such initiatives are timely; according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the nation’s population of approximately 343 million people is more diverse than at any point in its history. This demographic shift necessitates a national narrative that accounts for the experiences of Indigenous peoples, the descendants of enslaved Africans, immigrants from the Global South, and the diverse working-class populations that have built the nation’s infrastructure.
The foundation’s support for 250th-anniversary storytelling includes:
- Indigenous Reclamation Projects: Funding for initiatives that highlight the pre-colonial history of North America and the contemporary contributions of Native American tribes.
- Labor and Migration Histories: Stories focusing on the 19th-century Chinese immigrants who built the Transcontinental Railroad and the Black families who transformed the American North during the Great Migration.
- Civic Engagement Platforms: Programs designed to bring together individuals from disparate ideological and geographic backgrounds to discuss the future of American democracy.
These initiatives are aimed at preventing the "flattening" of history that often occurs during national celebrations. By highlighting the "rough edges" of the American story, philanthropy aims to build a more robust and honest foundation for future civic life.
Philanthropy as a Defender of Democratic Freedoms
Beyond storytelling, the philanthropic sector is currently navigating a landscape of increasing legal and social pressure. The right to give to specific causes and the freedom of speech are foundational to the operation of charitable organizations. However, in an era of heightened polarization, these freedoms have come under threat. The MacArthur Foundation and its peers have emphasized that any attempt to silence speech or limit the freedom of donors to support marginalized communities weakens the fabric of democracy.
The foundation’s stance is that the United States belongs to all its inhabitants—from those who arrived on the Mayflower to those seeking asylum today. This inclusive vision of the country is presented as a necessary counterweight to isolationist or exclusionary rhetoric. By maintaining an unwavering commitment to Constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms, foundations argue they are performing essential "descendant work"—ensuring that future generations inherit a society where the right to self-expression and community support remains intact.
Implications for the Next 250 Years
The evolution of the MacArthur Foundation’s approach reflects a broader trend within the philanthropic sector toward "narrative justice." This movement recognizes that achieving social or economic equity is impossible without also achieving "narrative equity"—the fair and accurate representation of all people in the national story. As the sector pivots to respond to the current political moment, the emphasis on joy, courage, and boldness is framed as a strategic necessity rather than a mere sentiment.
The lyrics of Beyoncé’s "American Requiem," which open with the line "Nothin’ really ends. For things to stay the same, they have to change again," encapsulate the foundation’s philosophy of institutional adaptation. To remain true to their missions of serving the public good, foundations must evolve alongside the societies they inhabit. This involves a constant process of "cleansing" old institutional "sins" and burying outdated ideas to make room for new, more inclusive visions of the future.
As the fireworks of the 250th anniversary fade, the lasting impact of this era in philanthropy will likely be measured by the durability of the narratives it helped to build. The question posed by institutional leaders is no longer just about the distribution of wealth, but about the distribution of power: Who gets to tell the story of America? By investing in inclusive narratives and asset-based communications, philanthropy is betting that a more honest and complete story will lead to a more resilient and unified democracy. The goal is to ensure that when the next milestone arrives, all 343 million residents of the United States—and those yet to come—can see themselves reflected in the American story without having to ask for permission.
