The Boston-based Barr Foundation has announced fourth-quarter grants totaling $35.7 million in support of a new arts and cultural center for the MetroWest region, continued research on the impacts of extreme heat in greater Boston, and the planning and piloting of transformative learning experiences.

In the area of arts and creativity, the foundation awarded 13 grants totaling $11.9 million, including $675,000 to the Cultural Alliance of Medfield in support of operations and capacity building for the Bellforge Arts Center, a new arts and cultural anchor centered on equity and creating access to diverse cultural experiences for the MetroWest region. In the area of climate, 32 grants totaling $6.97 million were awarded, including $600,000 in support of the Boston University School of Public Health and GreenRoots as they continue their research on extreme heat impacts and interventions in Chelsea and East Boston, and $500,000 to the Trust for Public Land to continue its work of building climate-smart parks in greater Boston with community members.

In the area of education, the foundation awarded 18 grants totaling $8 million, including $900,000 to FaithActs for Education in general operating support for Connecticut’s leading Black-led, faith-based education advocacy organization, which is working to develop equitable outcomes for students and families. In addition, four grants totaling $2.4 million were awarded in support of sector effectiveness, including $150,000 to Fund the People to help it develop an equitable, effective, and enduring nonprofit workforce with the ability to sustain meaningful social change and justice.

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