Progress Report: Centering Racial Equity in Climate Grantmaking
Blog Post
Barr’s Climate Director shares the story and learnings behind our ongoing work to advance a more diverse, inclusive, and equity-centered climate movement.
Mariella Puerto
Director of Climate
About Mariella
Mariella Puerto is Director of Barr's Climate program, managing grantmaking and other initiatives to advance equitable solutions for clean energy, mobility, and resilient communities. She serves as Chair of the board of the Environmental Grantmakers Association.
Prior to joining the Foundation in 2001, Mariella spent four years as deputy director of the Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leadership Program and three years as founding director of the Boston Lead Action Collaborative, a public-private partnership created to address the high rates of childhood lead poisoning in Boston. Before embarking on her career in the nonprofit sector, Mariella was a co-op owner of a vegetarian restaurant in Vermont.
Born in Malaysia of Filipino, Chinese, and Thai heritage, Mariella earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Brandon University in Manitoba, Canada, and her master’s degree in political science from Ohio University.
Posts by Mariella
New Tool for Climate Nonprofits to Assess Progress on Racial Equity
Blog PostSelf-assessment helps organizations evaluate and benchmark efforts to change culture and ways of working; and helps funders better understand partners’ efforts and how to target resources.
Connecticut Voters are Ready for Bold Action on Climate and Clean Energy
Blog PostRecent poll shows widespread support for renewable energy sources and opportunities for greater education.
Money Talks. Here’s What We Want it to Say. 

Blog PostTo center racial equity in the climate movement, we need to change who we’re funding and how we operate.
Racial Equity and Barr’s Climate Program
Blog PostDirector Mariella Puerto shares how Barr’s Climate Program is centering racial equity in its work.
Adapting to a Pandemic: Barr’s Climate Program
Blog PostAn update on actions, learnings, and priorities from Barr’s Climate team amid the pandemic.