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...

Fading Beauty: How the One Big Beautiful Bill Could Widen Wealth Inequality

Much of the public discussion has focused on OBBB’s near-term income effects. But income is only part of the story.

bostonindicators.org

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...

Announcing EPIX (Engage Public Imagination eXchange), a new initiative from the Arts + Creativity program - Barr Foundation

Announcing EPIX (Engage Public Imagination eXchange), a new initiative from the Arts + Creativity program | Barr Foundation provides insights, stories, and updates on what’s driving impact and equity ...

barrfoundation.org

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...

How rooftop solar is helping New England stay cool during the heat wave

At peak hours during this week's heat wave, solar panels on homes, businesses, parking lots and alongside roads are helping relieve stress on the electric grid.

wbur.org

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

Community Heat Resilience - Barr Foundation

Community Heat Resilience - Barr Foundation | Advancing bold ideas and partnerships that drive equity, innovation, and lasting impact in our communities.

barrfoundation.org

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.

Trailblazers program puts Mohawk Trail Regional School on new path

Hazel Foucault, Emma Thrower and Adrian Grant bucked the tide. They opted to stay at Mohawk Trail Regional School instead of leaving — as hundreds of other students have done in the past two decades…

recorder.com

“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."

Environmental justice is ‘another branch on the civil rights tree’ – The Bay State Banner

Superior Court finds city’s plan to lease White Stadium to pro soccer team lawful

baystatebanner.com

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

Worcester artist Sharinna Travieso receives $30,000 award for Bright Futures mural project

Bright outlook for blank school walls as Worcester artist Sharinna Travieso receives $30,000 award for Bright Futures mural project.

worcestermag.com

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...

Fitchburg looks to the arts to jump-start its economy - The Boston Globe

A $45 million project to develop artist-preferred affordable housing is a critical piece in a broader bid to leverage culture to help revitalize the Gateway City.

bostonglobe.com

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...

Merrimack Valley public transit system will keep bus fares free

The Merrimack Valley Transit authority has voted to make its fare-free policy permanent. The MeVa advisory board approved the policy Thursday after reviewing a report highlighting the economic, enviro...

wbur.org

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/...

Developers and green organizations team up to revitalize area in Chelsea for climate resilience

Green organizations and neighborhood developers have teamed up to revitalize an area in Chelsea, Massachusetts that's been closed to the public for years.

cbsnews.com

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.