Boston’s waterfront is intricately linked with the city’s identity, economy, and current growth. But how many people in Boston feel connected to that waterfront, or even welcome?

Stoss Landscape Urbanism via Mystic River Watershed Association
Boston Waterfront Initiative Goals
An overarching goal and set of mid-term objectives guide our efforts to achieve a Boston waterfront for all.
Learn more about Boston Waterfront Initiative GoalsBoston Waterfront Partners

Boston Waterfront Partners is a network of residents, advocates, and organizations working together to make the city’s waterfront open, inviting, and vibrant for all.
Learn more about Boston Waterfront PartnersGrantmaking
Barr has awarded over $26 million through this special initiative.
To see all recent Boston Waterfront Initiative grantmaking, visit our grants database.

GreenRoots
Boston Waterfront Initiative Grantmaking Process and Inquiries
Grants awarded by the Barr Foundation originate in different ways. The majority are initiated by our staff or through a request for proposals (RFP) process.
We welcome inquiries from those who feel their work may align with Barr’s Boston Waterfront Initiative goals and who wish to introduce themselves to us. The best approach is to email Jill Valdés Horwood, Director, Boston Waterfront Initiative with a brief description (we suggest 300–400 words) of your organization and the funding opportunity you would like us to consider. Given the high volume of inquiries we receive and limited staffing for special initiatives, it may take a couple weeks to hear back.
Read more about our grantmaking processOur Team
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Jim Canales President & Trustee
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John Dello Russo Program Associate, Sector Effectiveness & Special Initiatives
Recent Boston Waterfront Initiative News on our Blog
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Blog Post
In Conversation: Seattle Waterfront Director Marshall Foster
A virtual conversation about innovations and strategies driving progress along the waterfronts in Seattle and Boston.
Read the blog post
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Blog Post
Top Five Urban Parks Ideas from the 2022 Greater and Greener Conference
Our Boston Waterfront Initiative director shares five inspiring ideas for our waterfront from a recent learning journey in Philadelphia.
Read the blog post
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Blog Post
New Tool Calculates Value of Public Benefits in Waterfront Projects
Residents have never had a model or formula to estimate the value of public benefits – until now.
Read the blog post