Today, the staff at the Arms Control Association are delighted and honored to announce that the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation have named us a recipient of the 2010 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions, the "genius" award for exceptional institutions. According to the Foundation, award winners "are highly creative and effective organizations that have made a remarkable impact in their fields, driving significant change on modest budgets."
"The award recognizes institutions around the globe that are leaders on critical issues and challenges. We are very proud to be recognized as one of these high-impact organizations," said ACA Executive Director Daryl G. Kimball.
The MacArthur Award follows on the heels of our high-profile role in explaining the value of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which was approved by the Senate last month. In November, The New York Times described ACA as "one of the most vocal supporters of the treaty."
Through our widely respected arms control research, policy analysis and monthly magazine, Arms Control Today, ACA is among the most frequently cited sources in the media on nuclear, chemical, biological, and conventional weapons-related security challenges – and we've managed it all with a budget of about $1 million and fewer than a dozen full-time staff in Washington plus an international representative in Berlin!
"The Arms Control Association has long held a reputation for delivering a 'big bang for the buck,'" said former Ford Foundation program officer Christine Wing, who currently serves on the ACA's Board of Directors.
The Arms Control Association will use its $500,000 award to establish an operating reserve and to develop and execute a communications and strategic plan for public outreach. The grant does not support ACA's ongoing program activities.
Such accomplishments would not be possible without the contributions of our members and subscribers. Be part of the solution and learn more about how you can support the Arms Control Association as it works to eliminate the threats posed by the world's deadliest weapons.