Last updated: October 2026
The MacArthur Foundation hires summer interns in its Chicago office. It hasn't published pay or application dates on its own pages. As of 16 October 2026 no internship is posted on the foundation's Workday board, which lists 5 open requisitions, none for interns. Its Workday system shows that earlier internship requisitions existed and have since closed, so the foundation does run these roles. In plain words: you apply in late 2026 or early 2027, you intern in summer 2027, and the only reliable place to learn the dates is the foundation's own board and employment page.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | MacArthur Workday board, linked from the employment page |
| Application window (2027–28) | Not published. The foundation hasn't published summer 2027 dates on its own pages; watch the Workday board and the employment page |
| Rolling? | Not published. Deadlines are set per role on each posting |
| Eligibility | Not published on the foundation's own pages today. Read the eligibility section of each 2027 posting once it goes live |
| Duration | Not published on the foundation's own pages. Check the 2027 posting for length and work model |
| Compensation | Pay isn't published on the foundation's own pages. Check the 2027 posting for the hourly rate |
| Return offers | Not published |
| Locations | Chicago, IL (hybrid) |
| # Programs | Role-based internships tied to teams; the Workday system shows earlier Chicago Commitment, Journalism & Media and Communications intern requisitions that have closed |
The numbers that matter: 0 internships posted today and 5 open requisitions overall. The foundation hasn't published pay, application dates or program dates on its own pages, so this page gives none.
Externships are short, remote programs where you finish a real project with a real company. The Center for Improving Youth Justice Data Analytics Externship builds the data-informed decision-making that grantmaking research uses, and the Beats by Dre Creative Advertising Strategy Externship builds communications strategy. Explore all Externships.
What Is a MacArthur Foundation Internship?
A MacArthur Foundation internship is a role-based summer placement in the Chicago office of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Its employment page lists its values as creativity, diversity, equity and inclusion, empathy, integrity and learning. Each internship sits on a specific team. The foundation's Workday system shows that Chicago Commitment, Journalism & Media and Communications intern requisitions existed in earlier cycles and are now closed. Don't confuse this foundation with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a separate UK charity, or with the MacArthur Fellows program, which awards grants rather than hiring interns.
When Do MacArthur Foundation Internship Applications Open for 2027–2028?
The foundation hasn't published summer 2027 internship dates on its own pages, and today its Workday board lists 5 requisitions, none for interns. Earlier intern requisitions existed on that board and have closed, so the roles do come and go. Because no official date exists, this page doesn't guess one. Watch the board and the employment page, and plan to apply as soon as an internship appears.
Pre-open. The foundation's Workday board lists 5 requisitions and none is an internship. Use these weeks to prepare, not to apply: a cover letter and resume are the core materials to have ready.
Check the Workday board and the employment page regularly. The foundation hasn't published when internships will be posted.
Summer 2027 internship postings: the foundation hasn't published the date on its own pages. Watch the Workday board and apply to roles that match your background as soon as they appear.
Application deadlines: set per role on each posting, and not yet published for 2027.
Program dates aren't published. Confirm location and work model on the posting once it's live.
How to read this page: our dates come from tracking previous recruiting cycles and daily posting data. Treat them as informed estimates based on historical patterns, not confirmed dates. The company's official careers page is always the most current source. If a role is posted there, go by that, even if this page suggests the window hasn't opened yet.
Why You Must Apply the Week Applications Open
Deadlines are set per role, and the foundation hasn't published any for 2027. Once a role appears on the Workday board, check its closing date straight away rather than assuming a long window. Set a reminder to look at the board every week from now.
Which MacArthur Foundation Internship Programs Should You Target?
MacArthur's internships are role-based, each tied to a team, and the mix changes every year. The foundation's Workday system shows these earlier roles existed and have closed:
| Program / Track | Focus | Duration | Key skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Commitment Intern (earlier cycle, closed) | Chicago Commitment team | Not published | Research; familiarity with Chicago |
| Journalism & Media Intern (earlier cycle, closed) | Journalism and Media team | Not published | Research and writing |
| Communications Intern (earlier cycle, closed) | Communications team | Not published | Writing; storytelling; social media |
Roles change each year, and we only list those the foundation's own system confirms existed. Check the Workday board for the 2027 list once it's posted.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
The foundation hasn't published eligibility rules for 2027 on its own pages, and its closed postings can no longer be read on its board. What to do:
• Read the posting: eligibility, location and work authorization are set per role on the Workday board.
• Education: confirm whether the role is open to undergraduate, graduate or both.
• Location: the Chicago office is the base, so confirm on the posting whether you need to live in the Chicago area.
• Materials: have a cover letter and resume ready, plus a short writing sample for research and communications roles.
Is There a GPA Requirement?
No GPA figure or work authorization rule is published on the foundation's own pages. Confirm both on the 2027 posting.
What Skills Does the MacArthur Foundation Look For, and How Do You Build Them?
The foundation hasn't published skills requirements for 2027 on its own pages. The earlier roles sat on research, journalism and communications teams, so strong research and writing are sensible things to prepare. Check the posting for the stated requirements once it goes live.
Note: Zero internship postings are live, and closed postings are no longer readable on the foundation's board, so there is no skill-frequency count to show.
How Is Demand for Research Interns Moving Right Now?
Research intern postings · Sep vs Aug 2026
vs 1,651 in August
For MacArthur Foundation applicants: the foundation's Workday board lists 5 open requisitions today and none is an internship, so the live signal is to watch the board, not current openings.
Daily US job-posting counts, Sep 1–30 vs Aug 1–31, 2026. Covers under half of US postings; shows direction, not market size.
Build These Skills Before You Apply
These Externships build skills that match research, communications and evaluation work on the teams that have hosted interns.
| Skill (from real JDs) | JD evidence | Externship that builds it |
|---|---|---|
| Data-informed program research | Chicago Commitment team intern roles (closed) | Center for Improving Youth Justice Data Analytics Externship |
| Communications & storytelling strategy | Journalism & Media and Communications intern roles (closed) | Beats by Dre Creative Advertising Strategy Externship |
| Audience insight | Communications team audience work | Pinterest Gen Z Consumer Behavior Externship |
| Financial analysis | Finance and impact-investment style teams | Attronica Financial Planning & Analysis Externship |
These are adjacent skills. They don't replace familiarity with Chicago or with the foundation's program areas.
What Is the MacArthur Foundation Application and Interview Process Like?
What we could confirm about the process:
1. Watch the Workday board. The employment page links to the portal. Start checking now, and look again every week.
2. Apply to roles that match your background. Each role has its own deadline. Prepare a cover letter and resume, and a writing sample for journalism and communications roles.
3. Interview. The steps and rounds aren't published, so ask the recruiter what to expect.
4. Confirm your logistics. Check the posting for location and student-status rules before you apply.
What the Community Says
We found no first-hand intern accounts of the MacArthur Foundation on Reddit; the results were about MacArthur Fellows, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and unrelated topics. We aren't showing cards here.
How Do You Stand Out?
Three moves. Be specific about the team, since each role is tied to a program or function. Bring evidence of research and writing, plus a short writing sample for journalism and communications roles. Settle logistics early by checking the posting for location and student-status rules. A return-offer rate hasn't been published.
What Other Companies Should You Consider?
MacArthur sits among foundations and research nonprofits, and these guides cover similar intern profiles.
- RAND Corporationresearch nonprofit with a larger, structured summer programGuide →
- City YearAmeriCorps-based education nonprofit with a national service modelGuide →
- International Rescue Committeehumanitarian aid nonprofit with US city officesGuide →
- American Heart Associationnational health nonprofit with a flat hourly rate across three cohorts a yearGuide →
- Ford Foundationanother large private foundation with separate hiringGuide →
For more roles in this space, see our Nonprofit & Social Impact Internships Summer 2027 Guide.
FAQ
Can I still apply for a MacArthur Foundation internship?
Not right now. As of 16 October 2026 the foundation's Workday board lists 5 open requisitions and none is an internship. Earlier intern requisitions have closed. The foundation hasn't published summer 2027 dates on its own pages, so watch its Workday board and employment page for new postings.
When do MacArthur Foundation internship applications open for summer 2027?
The foundation hasn't published the date on its own pages. Earlier internship requisitions existed on its Workday board and have closed, but no 2027 role is posted. Check the Workday board and the employment page regularly, and apply as soon as an internship appears, since deadlines are set per role.
How much does the MacArthur Foundation pay interns?
Pay isn't published on the foundation's own pages. Its closed postings can no longer be read on its Workday board, so we can't quote an hourly rate. Check the pay line on the 2027 posting once it goes live, and ask about any housing support at interview if you aren't local.
Where is the MacArthur Foundation internship located?
The foundation is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and its past internships were Chicago-based roles. Nobody outside the foundation can say yet whether a 2027 role will be in-person, hybrid or open to remote students, because it isn't published. Check the work-model line on the posting.
Do I need to be a student to apply for a MacArthur Foundation internship?
The foundation hasn't published eligibility rules for 2027 on its own pages, and its closed postings can no longer be read. Internships are normally aimed at students, so confirm whether the role is open to undergraduates, graduates or recent graduates on the posting itself.
Is the MacArthur Foundation the same as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation?
No. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is a Chicago-based private foundation. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a separate UK charity focused on the circular economy. The MacArthur Fellows program is run by the Chicago foundation but awards fellowships, not internships. This guide covers only the Chicago internships.
How long is the MacArthur Foundation internship?
Program length and dates aren't published on the foundation's own pages for 2027. Summer internships generally run for a number of weeks between June and August, but the foundation hasn't confirmed a schedule. Check the posting for start and end dates and the work model once it goes live.
What roles does the MacArthur Foundation hire interns for?
Roles are team-based and change yearly. The foundation's Workday system shows earlier Chicago Commitment, Journalism & Media and Communications intern requisitions that have since closed. Check the Workday board for the 2027 list once postings go live, and match your application to the team's work.
Nothing is posted yet, and the foundation hasn't published 2027 dates. Check the Workday board regularly, have your cover letter and writing sample ready, and use the wait to build proof of your skills: a remote Externship gives you a finished project to reference.
About the Author
Bifei Wang has spent 17 years focused on human flow and the growth of young professionals, spanning international education, career training and coaching, and recruitment process outsourcing. Over 7 years at Extern, he has had one-on-one sessions with thousands of students exploring careers in consulting, finance, tech, marketing, and data, giving him a firsthand view of how the job market has shifted for early-career professionals and what it actually takes to break in.
