Advancing bold change to strengthen communities in Greater Philadelphia.
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.
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.
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 investingLearn 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.
To respond to the current moment, Barra will remain committed to our philanthropic approach and principles, disburse small unrestricted grants to our Catalyst Fund and Mission-Aligned Investing partners, and contribute to emerging collaborative funding efforts to strengthen the broader nonprofit and impact investing ecosystems.
Adriana Abizadeh of KCT, a Barra impact investing and grantee partner, penned an op-ed on the need for community-led development, neighborhood wealth building, and long-term infrastructure that centers residents, entrepreneurs, and organizers who have been there doing the work.