About Us

Our mission is to invest in human, natural, and creative potential, serving as thoughtful stewards and catalysts.

Matt Conti

There is so much potential all around us. We aim to serve as both stewards and catalysts of that potential. As stewards, we nurture and enhance vital community assets. As catalysts, we cultivate and advance the breakthrough ideas that will shape our collective future.

To learn more about Barr's work and our partners, explore our 2018 Year in Review.

Watch the following video where Barr's president and trustee, Jim Canales speaks about the Foundation's mission.

"We aspire to be both stewards and catalysts."

Our Core Values

We are guided by core values defined by our founders. These values are fundamental to who we are and what we believe constitutes effective philanthropy.

  1. Strive for excellence

    We aim for the highest standards of performance, integrity, and service in all dimensions of our work.

  2. Invest in leaders

    We support effective, visionary, and collaborative leaders, as they motivate others, drive change, and produce results.

  3. Act with humility and modesty

    We approach our activities with respect for our partners, an understanding that solutions reside with those we serve, and recognition of the privilege inherent in philanthropic work.

  4. Adopt a long-term perspective

    We take the long view, considering the implications of today’s decisions for future generations.

  5. Embrace risk

    We pursue ambitious goals, which requires a comfort with the risk of failure.

  6. Demonstrate curiosity

    We actively solicit new perspectives to inform our work and are committed to collaboration and partnership.

Original

Paul Schnaittacher via Holyoke Public Schools

How We Work

Learn more about our approach to grantmaking, our policies and financials, and our office space.

Learn more about How We Work

Our Trustees

The Barr Foundation is governed by a board of trustees who provide strategic direction and fiscal oversight for the Foundation’s affairs in service of its mission.

In September 2017, the board expanded from three to five members, and it is anticipated that, over time, the board will include others to share in the governance of the Foundation.

Barr Foundation Board of Trustees

Barbara W. Hostetter

Co-founder and Chair of the Board
Barbara’s Bio

Amos B. Hostetter, Jr.

Co-founder
Amos' Bio

M. Lee Pelton

President, Emerson College
Lee's Bio

Susan F. Tierney

Senior Advisor, Analysis Group
Sue's Bio

James E. Canales

President
Jim's Bio

Our Team

Racial and Ethnic Diversity of Barr Staff

Racial and Ethnic Diversity

29 Staff Respondents

We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace. Learn more about who we are and our staff demographics by visiting our GuideStar profile.

Asian or Asian American (4)

Staff members who identify as Asian or Asian American.

Black or African American (5)

Staff members who identify as Black or African American.

Hispanic, Latinx (2)

Staff members who identify as Hispanic or Latinx.

Multiracial or multiethnic (1)

Staff members who identify as Multiracial or Multiethnic.

White (16)

Staff members who identify as White.

Additional ethnicities (1)

Interested In Joining Our Team?

See Current Job Openings

Recent Barr News

Read more blog posts about the Foundation