Founded in 1997, Barr is an endowed, private foundation. From their home in Boston they support regional efforts, with targeted national engagement, in three program areas: Arts & Culture, Climate, and Education. They are also concluding a Global program in 2015.

There is so much potential all around us. The Barr Foundation aims to serve as both stewards and catalysts of that potential. As stewards, the nurture and enhance vital community assets. As catalysts, they cultivate and advance the breakthrough ideas that will shape collective future.

In all that they do, they focus on achieving impact as a constructive partner, willing to exercise leadership.

Based in Boston, Barr focuses regionally, and selectively engages nationally, working in partnership with nonprofits, foundations, the public sector, and civic and business leaders to elevate the arts and creative expression, to advance solutions for climate change, and to connect all students to success in high school and beyond. With assets of $1.6 billion, Barr is among the largest private foundations in New England and has contributed more than $834 million to charitable causes since 1999.

Program
Art and Culture
They are committed to enhancing cultural vitality. For us this means helping arts organizations thrive, innovate, and expand their audiences. It also means investments to foster collaboration and strengthen advocacy for the arts among artists, arts organizations, arts supporters, and many others who believe in the creative potential of the region.

In 2015, one of the top priorities is Boston’s city-wide cultural planning process, which launches this year. Working in close partnership with the city and the Klarman Family Foundation, the goal is to ensure that cultural planning is as engaging, inclusive, and effective as possible, and that it results in a bold vision and strategy to guide Boston over the next decade. This year they are also building Barr’s Arts & Culture program capacity asthey enter a period of strategic planning to focus and guide the future grantmaking.

Climate
In 2015, Barr’s Climate team is focused on accelerating efforts in the region on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and creating more connected, thriving communities.

They working to ensure that big, public conversations about the future of energy and transportation engage all voices and are informed by smart thinking and effective practices from near and far. They aim to position Greater Boston as a leader in climate resilience. 

Education
Since its inception Barr has been committed to expanding educational opportunity so that all children can reach their full potential.

As they build the Education team and undertake strategic planning in 2015, this commitment endures. During this transition year the primary focus for new grantmaking will be early education, though the education team will also remain actively engaged with current partners focused on K–12 and out-of-school time.

Global
In 2010, Barr launched a pilot program in global grantmaking. Guided by two goals—impact and learning—a small Barr team has since supported organizations working in rural areas with proven and emerging leaders and innovative, scalable models.

To maximize learning, they were intentionally broad in geography and approach, engaging in Haiti, East Africa, and India, and across three interconnected issue areas critical for people to thrive: livelihoods, health, and the environment.