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News & Notes

News and announcements as well as ideas and commentary about innovation in the social sector.

September 2025

Meeting the Moment: September 2025 Updates

At our September meeting, the Barra Board of Directors voted to approve four new Meeting the Moment grants that contribute to emerging collaborative funding efforts that are strengthening the broader nonprofit ecosystem at this time.

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July 2025

Meeting the Moment: Updates & Actions for 2025

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.

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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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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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