The MacArthur Fellowships (popularly known as the "genius grants") are given annually to support outstanding figures in such fields as history and social science, visual and performing arts, literature and scientific research. The associated cash grants, currently $500,000 paid out over five years, are intended to allow the Fellows to devote themselves to their endeavors without having to worry about making a steady living. MacArthur Fellows are nominated by experts in their fields. One cannot apply for a fellowship and potential recipients do not know they are being considered.
More information about the MacArthur Fellowships and the 2007 Fellows can be found at www.macfound.org.