Improving livelihoods, health, and the environment for rural poor.

Thanks to thoughtful strategies and careful execution by our partners in the field, the great majority of projects met or exceeded expectations. Because of these results, Barr deepened its initial commitment of $15 million to Global grantmaking to $41 million, and we extended an envisioned three-year pilot to five years.

Below you can find further information about Barr’s Global Program, including what we achieved, how grant funds were spent, where we worked, and whom we partnered with. We also offer a deeper look (via text and video) of a few of our partners and a report—From Local to Global—summarizing our approach, investments, and learning at the Global Program’s midpoint in 2013.

For any question related to Barr Global, contact Emily Sidla.

Community Health

To increase access to quality health care in rural areas, with particular attention to mothers and children under five years of age. Focused on increasing the number of appropriately trained and supported community health workers, addressing barriers to the availability of essential medicines, and supporting the use of mobile technology to improve the quality of care.

Sustainable Agriculture

To increase agricultural productivity and market access for small-holder farmers in an environmentally responsible manner and to help strengthen resilience to climate change. Focused on introducing new farming practices, rehabilitating degraded land, and expanding access to markets and irrigation technologies.

Exploratory and Learning

To explore new issues and areas for investment, including education, climate resilience, and women’s and girls’ empowerment.

Clean Energy

To improve the health and economic welfare of families in rural areas by introducing new technology and reducing their environmental footprint. Invested in organizations with potential to increase access to affordable and clean energy by developing markets for clean cookstove technologies and solar lights, launching demonstration projects, and using existing rural distribution platforms.