Hear from staff and partners about aspirations, accomplishments, and lessons learned along the way.

Erin Long via Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts

How School Leaders Prioritize Equity, Achievement, and Wellness - Even in Challenging Times

Photo of Dr. Ben Klompus; managing director at Relay Graduate School of Education

Ben Klompus

Guest Author · Managing Director of Innovation and Impact, Relay Graduate School of Education

While the last two years have been challenging for all, some leaders have redoubled their focus on equity, achievement, and wellness in their classrooms. In a new series, Relay follows exceptional leaders from across the country to document and share their effective leadership strategies.

May 10, 2022 | Category: Education

Arts Help Communities Connect, Heal, Imagine

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Beth Francis

Guest Author · President and CEO, Essex County Community Foundation

Local partners across Massachusetts are addressing social issues.

April 28, 2022 | Category: Arts & Creativity

Planning with Purpose on Boston's Waterfront

jill horwood brick

Jill Valdés Horwood

Director, Boston Waterfront Initiative

Three essential components to creating a waterfront all residents can access and benefit from.

April 20, 2022 | Category: Boston Waterfront

Reflections on Joining Barr in an All-Remote Context

Mary Chalifour Brick Portrait 2023

Mary Chalifour

Associate Director of Communications

Staff members share their experiences and takeaways.

April 13, 2022 | Category: Barr News

Leadership Development Programs Need an Upgrade: Five Ways to Advance Racial Equity

Idalia Fernadez Headshot

Idalia Fernadez

Guest Author · Senior Director, Community Wealth Partners

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Lori Bartczak

Guest Author · Senior Director, Knowledge & Content, Community Wealth Partners

Promoting, retaining, and supporting BIPOC leadership within nonprofits is critical for driving systemic change.

April 07, 2022 | Category: Sector Effectiveness

We Know Principals Are Important, So Why Doesn’t Anyone Want to Be One These Days?

Leah Hamilton

Leah Hamilton

Former Director of Education

Elina Headshot

Elina Alayeva

Guest Author · Executive Director, Springpoint

The pandemic is driving principals out, and preparation programs don’t give them the support they need.

April 01, 2022 | Category: Education

Reimagining Philanthropy’s Commitment to Racial Equity

Man smiling and looking at the camera in front of a colorful painting.

Jim Canales

President & Trustee

The realities of white supremacy, systemic racism, and violence against people of color and LGBTQ+ people — always present but rarely challenged by those with power — demand intense reflection and tangible action.

March 24, 2022 | Category: Racial Equity

Barr Awards $27.1 Million in First Quarter of 2022

Grants include support for a new black box theater in Boston, a campaign to amplify public transit information for Spanish-speaking riders, and support for an innovative high school redesign.

March 21, 2022 | Category: Barr News

MA Residents Deeply Value the Arts and Hope for Change

Jen Benoit- Bryan

Jen Benoit-Bryan

Guest Author · Director , SMU DataArts

Post Covid-19 pandemic and America’s overdue racial reckoning, what do communities and audiences want from the arts and cultural organizations?

March 15, 2022 | Category: Arts & Creativity

Transformative Schools Require Transformative Leaders

Leah Hamilton

Leah Hamilton

Former Director of Education

Elina Headshot

Elina Alayeva

Guest Author · Executive Director, Springpoint

New fellowship for aspiring school leaders who seek to reimagine high school.

March 10, 2022 | Category: Education