Strengthening Civil Liberties and Democracy

Special Initiative in 2017 aimed to bolster capacity to respond to shifting national context.

Announced with a blog post from Barr’s president and trustee, Jim Canales, in March 2017, this Special Initiative sought to respond to dramatic shifts in the national context, increased polarization, and growing concerns about threats to equity and opportunity. Its two goals were:

To support frontline organizations working with vulnerable communities, promoting human rights, and protecting civil liberties in Massachusetts through legal protection, community education and organizing, and public awareness efforts.

To strengthen and sustain journalism in the United States as an essential part of democracy, with a focus on investigative journalism and protections for freedom of the press.

Consistent with our approach across Barr’s core program areas, this Special Initiative combined a regional focus with selective national engagement. Most grants offered unrestricted operating support, and nearly all were multi-year grants, to provide some stability after a time when some organizations experienced a one-time influx of resources, but were uncertain about the continuation of that support.

As of December 31, 2017, Barr awarded 19 grants totaling $3,110,000 as part of this Special Initiative.

Grants Awarded Under this 2017 Special Initiative

Irish International Immigrant Center, Inc.

To support legal and wellness services.

Award Date: 9/25/2017
Amount: $75,000
Term: 36 months
Program: Special Initiatives

Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation

To support the Greater Boston collaborative fund in support of immigrant and refugee communities through legal assistance, community outreach, and network infrastructure.

Award Date: 7/13/2017
Amount: $200,000
Term: 24 months
Program: Special Initiatives

WGBH Educational Foundation

To expand investigative reporting capacity.

Award Date: 6/28/2017
Amount: $300,000
Term: 36 months
Program: Special Initiatives

MAS Boston Society, Inc.

To support expanded civic engagement capacity at the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center.

Award Date: 5/3/2017
Amount: $75,000
Term: 36 months
Program: Special Initiatives

Social Innovation Forum, Inc.

To support a 2017–2018 social issue track and group training to support immigrant- and refugee-serving organizations.

Award Date: 5/3/2017
Amount: $30,000
Term: 12 months
Program: Special Initiatives

Center for Investigative Reporting, Inc.

To provide core support.

Award Date: 3/27/2017
Amount: $300,000
Term: 24 months
Program: Special Initiatives

Committee to Protect Journalists, Inc.

To provide core support for activities in the United States.

Award Date: 3/27/2017
Amount: $200,000
Term: 24 months
Program: Special Initiatives

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

To provide core support.

Award Date: 3/27/2017
Amount: $150,000
Term: 36 months
Program: Special Initiatives

Northeastern University

To conduct a research study on philanthropy and nonprofit news and journalism and dissemination activities, in partnership with the Shorenstein Center.