Barr Awards $12.9 Million in First Quarter of 2025

On March 11th, the Barr Foundation Board of Trustees met in person and approved four grants totaling $8.6 million. This adds to grants approved by the Trustees, President, Vice President for Strategy and Programs, and Program Directors for a total of $12.9 million awarded since the Board of Trustees meeting in December.

Learn more about some of our partners and their work below.

In Arts & Creativity, Barr awarded $1 million to Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art Foundation (MASS MoCA) to support ongoing economic development efforts and create new artist housing in downtown North Adams. This funding reflects the evolving scope and urgency of MASS MoCA's capital-related projects to address critical infrastructure needs, ensure long-term sustainability, and strengthen Mass MOCA's role as a cultural anchor in North Adams.

In Climate, Barr awarded ten grants totaling $6.3 million. A $150,000 grant was awarded to The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Inc. to support the Western Massachusetts Transportation Advocacy Network (WMTAN) which seeks to ensure accessible, reliable, and affordable transportation in the region. A $300,000 grant was awarded to Emerald Cities Collaborative, Inc. to support their work with community groups to propose and implement reforms to state energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.

In Education, Barr awarded three grants totaling $3.6 million. Contributing to core support, a $300,000 grant was awarded to MassPotential, an organization committed to the advancement of excellent public schools across the Commonwealth. MassPotential sees a future where all children are reading and performing math on grade level and are ready to meet robust and rigorous statewide standards to graduate from high school and pursue their aspirations for life.

Special Initiatives and Sector Effectiveness awarded four grants totaling $1.7 million. A $300,000 grant over 12 months was awarded to Urban Institute to further develop and amplify insights on nonprofit and philanthropic trends.