Barr Foundation: Climate Grants

Barr Foundation: Climate Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Barr Foundation
Last Updated: May 09, 2025

Summary

The Barr Foundation's Climate Grants program is committed to addressing climate change through equitable solutions that prioritize communities impacted by environmental injustices. With a focus on clean energy, mobility, and resilience, the program aims to foster an inclusive movement that supports diverse voices and builds capacity among organizations led by people of color. The initiative emphasizes collaboration and innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare communities for climate impacts.

Overview

Climate Program Bold action on climate change is necessary to create a just and healthy future. Advancing equitable solutions for clean energy, mobility, and resilient communities. To leave future generations a better world than the one we inherited, we must address climate change with solutions that acknowledge the unequal burdens that have been placed on communities of color and those who have been underserved and divested. Climate change is a global challenge. Yet cities, states, and regions are vital agents of change. That’s why Barr’s Climate Program focuses on advancing equitable solutions and leadership at the local level. Our Climate Strategies To address climate change we pursue three strategies: Accelerating the shift to clean energyTransforming our transportation systemCreating climate resilient communities Underlying these strategies is our belief that we will be more effective at addressing the climate crisis if we build a multi-racial and inclusive environmental movement. This is why we will prioritize communities that have suffered the most from the fossil fuel economy and climate organizations whose work is centered in equity. Read more on our strategies below. Clean Energy Accelerate the expansion of renewable energy and energy efficiency. To meet our ambitious climate goals, we must accelerate the shift to a low-carbon energy infrastructure. The U.S. Northeast is at an energy crossroads. Successful efforts to phase out the dirtiest fuels, promote energy efficiency, and regulate carbon have put this region at the forefront of a global response to climate change. However, to achieve the necessary emissions reductions —80% by 2050—will require a concerted push to deploy cleaner energy sources and achieve deeper efficiencies. Priorities: Build a diverse constituency for clean energy. Mobilize key stakeholders to advocate for equitable state and regional clean energy policies and programs. Promote a narrative connecting the benefits of clean energy to public health and resilience. Support research, analysis, and demonstration projects that can enhance policy decisions. Mobility Advance equity- centered low carbon mobility solutions. In Massachusetts, transportation is the leading cause of climate change. Over 40% of the state's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from how much we drive and move, which is impacted by how we build our communities. Priorities: Community-driven solutions that lower greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and land-use Capacity building and leadership of state and municipal government bodies engaged in transportation, land use, and planning Cross-sector partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders working on transportation, land use, community planning, and related issues Climate Resilience Support communities  to prepare and adapt to climate change. Priorities: Build awareness and mobilize a diverse constituency for action on climate risks, impacts, and resilience strategies. Mobilize key stakeholders to advance equitable policies and resilience plans. Catalyze momentum through demonstration projects that integrate resilience into the fabric of cities. Climate Program Inquiries The Barr Foundation’s Climate Program is actively working to expand its grantmaking to include more partners who are committed to centering racial equity in the climate movement. Our work is grounded in the belief that a diverse, inclusive, and equity-centered movement is essential to achieving our ambitious climate goals. We will prioritize communities that have suffered the most from the fossil fuel economy and climate organizations whose work is centered in equity. While we most typically fund non-profit organizations, we are open to supporting other types of groups or organizations who are doing work that aligns with our strategies and goals. We are especially interested in supporting people of color (POC)-led equity-centered organizations. We define equity-centered organizations as organizations that are building power in the communities they serve to address environmental racism.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. We primarily make grants to 501(c)(3) public charities and public schools. We also make grants to support organizations or projects that work with qualifying fiscal sponsors, and to governmental agencies for public purposes.

Ineligibility

Barr does not make grants to individuals or for scholarships, nor do we make program-related investments. It is also rare for Barr to fund capital projects or event sponsorships (except on occasion for longstanding partners).