Barr Foundation Inc is a private grantmaking foundation based in Louisville, Kentucky. Established in 2000, it operates as a 501(c)(3) organization and holds tax-exempt status. The foundation functions as a non-operating private foundation focused on philanthropic giving within its region.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.5M
+2.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$250K
+0.0% YoY
Grant Count
8
-11.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$31K
+12.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's grantmaking priorities include:
- Education
- Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
- Human Services
- General support for nonprofit organizations
- Capital needs funding
Notable grantees have included organizations such as Cabbage Patch Settlement House, Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, Gilda's Club Kentuckiana, Yew Dell Gardens, Louisville Rescue Mission, Young Life, Campo Amor, Life in Abundance, and Forest Friend Playground.
Grantmaking
The foundation welcomes inquiries from organizations whose work may align with its priorities. Prospective grantees are encouraged to email with a brief description (300–400 words) of their organization and the funding opportunity being considered.
Grant Range
$5,000 to $5,211,295
Average Grant
amount: $144,000 (based on historical data)
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Primary funding concentration in Kentucky and Missouri, with grantmaking activity concentrated in Kentucky.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $1,410,541
- Total Revenues: $376,813
- Total Expenses: $291,332
- Total Liabilities: $0
Historical Context: Total assets have decreased from $3.1 million in 2011 to $1.4 million in 2023. Annual giving has declined from $500,000 in 2020 to $250,000 in 2023. The highest grantmaking activity occurred in 2022 with $11.2 million distributed across 24 grants.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,451,024 | $1,410,541 | $1,561,691 |
| Revenue | $525,819 | $376,813 | $503,491 |
| Expenses | $289,689 | $291,332 | $5,654,111 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $252,715 | $255,215 | $5,596,395 |
| Net Investment Income | $283,344 | $62,470 | $248,324 |
| Distributable Amount | $340,665 | $283,485 | $414,916 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 8 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
83 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
J McFerran Barr - President (as of 2023)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALLY E BARR | PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| J MCFERRAN BARR II | CHAIRMAN | 1 | — |
| MATTHEW W CARPER | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| PANAYIOTA G JONES | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation maintains an active grantmaking program. Recent grant announcements indicate continued philanthropic activity, with grants awarded to organizations supporting community needs in the Louisville area and beyond.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
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John T Reis Private Foundation
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Assets
$200K
Grants
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Total Given
$341K
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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