Special Grants

While Barra’s main mission supports innovation that promotes long-term social change, we reserve some funds for timely and collaborative “good citizen” efforts.

This funding is primarily used when Barra is involved in partnerships with other funders or to help attract additional resources to the region. It is also considered when there is a need to move quickly in an emergency situation.

Rather than force such exceptions into established funding programs and thereby dilute their intent, the Foundation will maintain flexibility to provide funding through this “special grants” category. Any special opportunities will be foundation-initiated; there will not be an open application process.

Pooled/Collaborative Fund

At times, Barra collaborates with other funders in the region in situations where combined efforts can be more impactful and efficient. Such local efforts may also attract national funders to the region. Examples include: Philadelphia’s Cultural Treasures, Nonprofit Repositioning Fund, and Black Leaders/Black Communities.

Responsive Funding

As recent years have shown, there are urgent and timely issues, such as COVID-19, when foundations must adapt their grantmaking to meet the immediate needs of communities. In these limited instances, Barra considers areas where we might make a particular difference (e.g., providing additional operating support to existing grantees, funding organizations outside our official grantmaking priorities, etc.). Examples include: Emergency COVID-19 funding, Recovery and Response Efforts, and Community Violence grants.