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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.

 
 
February 2025

The Barra Foundation Today

 
 
August 2024

Origins of The Barra Foundation

 
 
June 2022

Food Connect Explores a New Frontier

 
 
March 2022

College Unbound Creates a Movement

 
 
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

 
February 2025

Meeting the Moment: Resources for 2025

Barra recognizes the uncertainty and fear of this current moment for our grantees, partners, and communities. We are trying to prepare as best we can for what comes next by thinking about actions we can take to support our communities. Read on for some helpful resources.

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February 2025

Watch: The Barra Foundation Today

Since 1963, The Barra Foundation has invested in innovation to inspire change and strengthen communities in the Greater Philadelphia region. But, our strategy has evolved over time. Watch this 3-minute video to learn more about Barra’s particular approach to supporting innovation in the region.

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