New research from Boston Indicators shows that federal policy changes related to the #OneBigBeautifulBill will widen wealth inequality: the bottom 10% of earners lose $1,200 annually while top earners gain $13,600. www.bostonindicators.org/reports/repo...

Following a rigorous national search, we are thrilled to announce Ali Noorani as Barr’s next president. Ali’s enthusiasm for our core program areas of arts, climate, and education shines through, as does his readiness to propel Barr into its next chapter. barrfdn.link/president

As lifelong learners, it's no surprise that Barr's Education team has serious summer reading plans. See what's on their list for the holiday weekend:

Announcing EPIX: a three-year investment supporting public art that sparks collective imagination across Massachusetts. EPIX grantees produce new work that inspires collective action and shifts how public art is understood and valued in Massachusetts. www.barrfoundation.org/blog/announc...

Solar is helping New England stay cool this summer. Solar arrays on roofs and parking lots generate about 5,000 megawatts of power for New England, more than all of the region's nuclear power plants combined. www.wbur.org/news/2025/06...

Communities across Massachusetts are sweltering this week. In the new Community Heat Resilience pilot, cities and community-based orgs are working together to establish the infrastructure, policy, and education needed to protect citizens this summer and in the years ahead. barrfdn.link/heat

Mohawk Trail Regional School reinvented itself to invite students shape to their studies. So far, the result has been promising—happier, more empowered teachers, students pursuing their passions, and rebounding enrollment.

“Environmental justice is what civil rights looks like relative public health,” says Dwaign Tyndal of Roxbury-based Alternatives for Community and Environment. "Fights around environmental justice are a way for new generations to join the civil rights movement."

Worcester-born artist Sharinna Travieso's favorite canvas is public spaces. After working on major community murals, she’s transforming school walls across Massachusetts.

In Fitchburg, MA, local institutions are leveraging the city’s unique qualities to stimulate growth. A long-vacant school will become 68 units of artist-preferred affordable housing alongside studio space, galleries, and a rail trail. www.bostonglobe.com/2025/03/28/a...

Merrimack Valley’s MeVa is Massachusetts’ first fare-free transit system. A rider survey found that the economic, environmental, and health benefits, weighing in at $2 million, exceeded the loss of revenue from bus fares. www.wbur.org/news/2025/02...

Low and moderate-income Massachusetts residents can now apply for rebates to purchase new pedal-assist electric bikes! This program from @Massachusetts Clean Energy Center will cover about 3,000 vouchers, distributed by lottery. Learn more and apply: ma-ebikes.masscec.com

Mass Audubon, GreenRoots, and neighborhood developers are transforming 18 acres of abandoned land to build affordable housing and preserve the waterfront’s natural habitat. www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/...

We are excited to introduce the new barrfoundation.org. 🎉 Visit the site to explore our program areas, search the grants database, and see our grantees’ work in action.

The barrage of action in the past several weeks previews the challenges that the #nonprofit and #philanthropy sectors will face in the years ahead. Barr is in this work for the long haul. Here's how we are approaching this moment in these early stages.