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Investing in innovation.

Advancing bold change to strengthen communities in Greater Philadelphia.

  • Food Connect Catalyst Fund
  • Kensington Corridor Trust Impact Investing
  • College Unbound Catalyst Fund
  • Day Wage Program, Mural Arts Advocates Catalyst Fund
  • Center for Black Educator Development Response and Recovery Efforts
 

The Catalyst Fund

Providing risk capital for early-stage, bold approaches that have the potential to result in outsized impact and thriving, equitable communities. These projects test novel approaches to entrenched or emerging problems in an effort to push boundaries and inspire transformative change. Learn more about the purpose of the Catalyst Fund and how to apply.

More about the Catalyst Fund
 

Catalyst Fund Grantees

See a list of Catalyst Fund grantees. Read descriptions of these timely, early-stage projects that are aiming to shift practice in the social sector.

Learn about past grantees
 

Aligning your money with your values.

Impact Investing

Barra has been learning about impact investing by testing it out, and “learning by doing” since 2016. Join us in our journey as we find ways to activate more than just grant dollars to invest in our region and create durable change.

More about impact investing

Stories & Ideas

Learn about how leaders and organizations are using both grants and impact investments to change the way we look at things—and the way we do our work.

 
 
August 2024

Origins of The Barra Foundation

 
 
June 2022

Food Connect Explores a New Frontier

 
 
March 2022

College Unbound Creates a Movement

 
 
October 2021

Ujima Developers Build and Maintain Community Together

 
 
Leading to Social Change

Supporting innovation is in our DNA—and it takes more than just money. Explore our approach to intentional innovation and why we think this is one of the many tools that can lead to social change in our region.

Read about our approach

News & Notes

 
September 2024

Barra Launches New Grants Management System

Barra has switched to a new grants management system: Fluxx. Read on to learn how to access the new portal and apply for funding.

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August 2024

Watch: The Origins of The Barra Foundation

Through first-person narrative from our founder, Robert L. McNeil Jr., and testimonies from past leadership and grantee partners, Barra tells our decades-long story of impact as we invest in innovation to strengthen communities in Greater Philadelphia.

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