CFDA#
|
|
Funder Type
Corporate Foundation
|
IT Classification
B - Readily funds technology as part of an award
|
|
|
Authority
Barr Foundation
Summary
The Barr Foundation's mission is to invest in human, natural, and creative potential, serving as thoughtful stewards and catalysts. The Barr Foundation focuses its grantmaking on the following funding areas:
- Arts & Creativity: The Foundation's overarching goal is to elevate the arts and enable creative expression to engage and inspire a dynamic, thriving Massachusetts. They will pursue this goal through three strategies: 1) advancing the field's capacity to adapt, take risks, and engage changing audiences in new ways; 2) fostering opportunities to connect the arts to other disciplines and sectors; and 3) activating public support for the arts.
- Climate: To address climate change the Foundation pursues three strategies: 1) Accelerating the shift to clean energy, 2) Transforming our transportation system, and 3) Creating climate resilient communities
- Education: The Barr Foundation's Education Program focuses on the transformation of the public high school experience to advance excellence and equity for young people—especially for students of color and other systemically marginalized students—across New England. They pursue this goal through three interconnected strategies: 1) We catalyze new models, 2) We invest in educators, and 3) We build public will.
- Sector Effectiveness: As a complement to their core programs, Barr's Sector Effectiveness grantmaking aims to increase the impact of the social sector across New England communities. The Foundation's Sector Effectiveness grantmaking and activities focus on three goals: 1) Building more effective, inclusive leadership, 2) Improving decision-making on significant public issues, and 3) Bolstering core infrastructure for the social sector.
- Barr Fellowship: The Barr Fellowship celebrates exceptional leaders, investing in them and their organizations, and cultivating a network of civic leaders committed to Greater Boston.
- Special Initiatives: The majority of Barr's grantmaking extends from the Foundation's core program strategies. Yet, from time to time they initiate additional work consistent with their mission of service and commitment to the long-term strength, vitality, and resilience of their region. Special initiatives typically support targeted, time-limited efforts, and there is no formal inquiry process for this category of Barr's funding.
History of Funding
Founded in 1997, Barr has contributed more than $1 billion to charitable causes. Previous awardees are listed on the funder's website here: https://www.barrfoundation.org/grantmaking/grants
Additional Information
Barr does not make grants to individuals or for scholarships, nor do they make program-related investments. It is also rare for Barr to fund capital projects or event sponsorships (except on occasion for longstanding partners).
Eligibility Details
Barr primarily makes grants to 501(c)(3) public charities and public schools throughout New England. They also make grants to support organizations or projects that work with qualifying fiscal sponsors, and to governmental agencies for public purposes.
The majority of grants are either renewal grants or grants to organizations with which the funder has had a prior relationship. However, in a typical year, between 15% and 30% of the grants made are to organizations that have not previously received a grant from the Foundation.
Deadline Details
There are many pathways to receiving a grant from the Barr Foundation. Foundation staff devote much of their time to engaging with people involved with Barr's issue areas, including community leaders, residents, and field experts. These conversations may lead to invitations to submit a grant proposal.
From time to time, Barr issues open requests for proposals (RFPs), to provide broad access to funding opportunities, and to ensure they remain open to new ideas and new partnerships. To stay informed about any future RFP opportunities, subscribe to their newsletter via a link on the Foundation's website.
The funder also welcomes inquiries from those who believe their work aligns with Barr's priorities and wish to introduce themselves. The best approach is to email a brief description (300–400 words) of your organization and the funding opportunity you would like considered to the points of contact listed on the Foundation's website (see here: https://www.barrfoundation.org/grantmaking#:~:text=Inquiries%20from%20potential%20new%20partners ). The Foundation reviews and replies to all inquiries.
Award Details
Award amounts vary. The Foundation's grantmaking budget for 2024 is $130 million.
Related Webcasts
-
Funding Classroom Technology to Empower Students and Teachers - Sponsored by Panasonic
-
Playback Available
-
Maximizing Technology-friendly Workforce Development Grants - Sponsored by Panasonic
-
Playback Available
-
Funding Data-driven Workforce Development Projects - Sponsored by NetApp
-
Playback Available