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

29 Foundations Pledge Over $4 Billion to Address Climate Change

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Jim Canales

President & Trustee

Barr commits at least $100 million over the next five years, joining the largest-ever philanthropic investment in climate change mitigation.

September 14, 2018 | Category: Climate

We Can Improve Coastal Communities as We Protect Them

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Rebecca Herst

Guest Author · Director, UMass Boston Sustainable Solutions Lab

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Paul Kirshen

Guest Author · Professor, School for the Environment and Academic Director, UMass Boston Sustainable Solutions Lab

The best way to protect Boston from rising seas is through “shore-based solutions.” Two of the authors of a recent report explain what that means, and how such solutions can yield benefits for communities.

September 05, 2018 | Category: Climate

An Unusual Proposition – Artists Invited to Advise a Museum

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Jill Medvedow

Guest Author · Ellen Matilda Poss Director , The Institute of Contemporary Art

Fifth in a new series featuring stories from Greater Boston arts organizations that received special funding to pursue an artistic risk.

August 28, 2018 | Category: Arts & Creativity

Barr Awards $1.26 Million for New England Civil Rights Fund

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

Jim Canales

President & Trustee

Fourteen organizations supported as part of 2018 Special Initiative.

August 23, 2018 | Category: From the President

Creating Space for Change by Asking, “Why?”

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Stefan Lanfer

Director of Communications

A new video series engages millions in questioning longstanding education practices that are ripe for a rethink.

August 22, 2018 | Category: Education

10 Questions with Silvia López Chavez

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Cecilia Hylton

Former Communications Manager

Artist Silvia Chavez poses with her mural.

Silvia López Chavez

Guest Author · Artist and Designer, Portfolio

A conversation with local artist Silvia López Chavez discussing her new mural for the Barr Foundation, activating the creative process, and what it's like to make public art in Boston.

August 15, 2018 | Category: Barr News

Community Foundations Launch Regional Arts Initiatives

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E. San San Wong

Director of Arts & Creativity

Six months into the Barr Foundation’s Creative Commonwealth Initiative, our partners are creating change across Massachusetts. Here are some highlights on progress, milestones, and impacts of their promising early efforts.

August 02, 2018 | Category: Arts & Creativity

New Report Reveals Growth Trends in Rapidly Changing U.S. Energy Market

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David Terry

Guest Author · Executive Director, National Association of State Energy Officials

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Malcolm Woolf

Guest Author · Senior Vice President, Advanced Energy Economy

Third annual assessment of energy employment at federal, state, and county levels finds over 6.5 million workers, with half of 133,000 new jobs focused on energy efficiency.

July 19, 2018 | Category: Climate

Investing in a Strong Nonprofit Sector

Roger Nozaki

Roger Nozaki

Vice President for Strategy and Programs

Refined guiding principles and new name for Barr’s grantmaking aimed at strengthening New England’s nonprofit sector.

July 12, 2018 | Category: Sector Effectiveness

New Study Identifies Massive Risk to Coastal Property from Sea Level Rise

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Dr. Kristina Dahl

Guest Author · Senior Climate Scientist, Union of Concerned Scientists

Five key takeaways from analysis predicting heavy losses for those with stake in waterfront real estate across the United States.

July 11, 2018 | Category: Climate