Barr Fellowship 2026 for Civic Leaders

The Barr Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Barr Fellowship 2026. This prestigious program is designed to recognize, support, and connect exemplary civic leaders across Massachusetts.

🏛️ About the Barr Fellowship

Since its inception in 2005, the Barr Fellowship has brought together a diverse group of civic leaders. Over seven cohorts, the Fellowship has recognized and supported 80 leaders from various backgrounds, organizations, and fields. The program aims to:

• Enhance resilience, renewal, clarity of purpose, and sustainability for social sector leaders.
• Cultivate collaborative leadership capacities and skills.
• Foster a healthy organizational culture that invests in leadership at all levels.
• Expand networks that leaders can rely on and activate for shared goals.

🎁 Benefits of the Barr Fellowship

Selected Fellows and their organizations will receive the following benefits:

• Cohort connection and learning opportunities through scheduled programming (approximately 16 days over 15 months).
• A $75,000 grant to the organization:
  • $25,000 for the Fellow’s personal well-being and development.
  • $50,000 to enhance resilience and well-being for the organization’s staff.
• 50 hours of coaching, including:
  • Executive coaching for the Fellow.
  • Organizational coaching to support resilience goals.
• Opportunities for continued engagement with the Fellow’s cohort and the larger Barr Fellows Network as alumni.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

For Applicant Organizations:

• Must be a nonprofit 501(c)3 public charity or an organization fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)3 public charity.
• Must be headquartered in and significantly serve Massachusetts (at least 75% of activities, services, or programming must occur in Massachusetts).
• Must have an operating budget between $500,000 and $5 million with adequate staffing to continue operations during Fellowship activities.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to:
  • Developing a field rooted in justice and belonging, where all staff can thrive.
  • Cultivating a healthy operating culture that invests in leadership at all levels.
• Ineligible organizations include:
  • Government agencies, hospitals, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions.
  • Organizations primarily focused on re-granting funds to other organizations.

For Individual Candidates:

• Must be a CEO, Executive Director, or Co-Director in a nonprofit organization, with at least three years in their current role.
• Must have 3–10 years of total experience in a paid role as a nonprofit CEO, Executive Director, or Co-Director.
• Must be a full-time resident of New England, with professional work significantly focused on Massachusetts.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to:
  • Developing a field rooted in justice and belonging.
  • Contributing to an organizational culture that supports staff to bring their full selves to work.
• Must have the availability, capacity, and commitment to fully participate in the Fellowship.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 30 June, 2026
• Interested applicants can apply by visiting the official application website.

🌐 Contact Information

For more details, visit the Barr Foundation website.

This is a unique opportunity for civic leaders to grow personally and professionally while contributing to the resilience and sustainability of their organizations. Don't miss the chance to be part of this transformative program!

• Cohort connection and learning opportunities provided via scheduled programming (approximately 16 days over 15 months).
• A $75,000 grant — $25,000 for personal well-being of the Fellow and $50,000 for the organization’s work.
• 50 hours of coaching, including executive and organizational coaching.
• Opportunities for continued engagement with the Fellow’s cohort and the Barr Fellows Network as Alumni.