The Boston-based Barr Foundation has announced $17.2 million in second-quarter grants in support of artist-led solidarity economy practices, innovative climate resilience efforts in local communities, and new research to drive educator diversity efforts.

In the area of arts and creativity, the foundation awarded three grants totaling $400,000, including to Open Collective Foundation ($230,000), which will support the Art.coop initiative to grow solidarity economy practices led by artists and culture-bearers. In the area of climate, grants totaling $7.7 million were awarded to 17 organizations, including the Metropolitan Area Planning Council ($1.4 million), which will provide renewed support for the Accelerating Climate Resilience mini-grants program (ACR), and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership Fund Board ($1 million), which will support implementation of pro-housing zoning in MBTA communities, in accordance with last year’s Housing Choice bill in Massachusetts.

In the area of education, the foundation awarded 11 grants totaling $3.9 million, including to the Equity Institute ($200,000) in support of the growth and development of its Re*Generation network of BIPOC educators and allies in Rhode Island, and the Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth, Inc. ($125,000) for its research efforts, in collaboration with Latinos for Education and Boston University’s Wheelock Education Policy Center, to create a robust set of educator diversity goals in Massachusetts.

In addition, three grants totaling $550,000 were awarded in support of sector effectiveness, including to Massachusetts Voter Table ($75,000), which will provide core support for civic engagement and representation to increase voter turnout and engagement in Massachusetts.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Opla)