Barr Foundation
The Barr Foundation focuses on three primary areas: Arts & Creativity, Climate, and Education, complemented by grantmaking to strengthen New England’s social sector, and by targeted, time-limited Special Initiatives. Along with 14 other grassroots nonprofits across
Massachusetts, The Loop Lab was selected for Barr’s Powering Cultural Futures Initiative. This multi-year initiative will explore ways that philanthropy can shift power to these agencies placing their needs first, fueling expansion of BIPOC arts via long-term flexible capital, technical assistance, network development, and attracting donors to finance these approaches. Over the next six years, each participant can consider and move toward an operating model and scale that matches its aspirations and incorporates factors including its programmatic strengths and ambitions, the hopes and needs of its community, and its mix of human, financial, and organizational resources. The Loop Lab is excited and honored to be included in this important ground-breaking Barr initiative.
Audible
Audible is the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, enriching the lives of millions of listeners every day, and a driving force behind today’s audio entertainment revolution. As part of their mission to Activate Caring within their communities, since 2019, thirty-seven Audible volunteers have played a critical role supporting Loop Lab trainees to produce 17 mini-documentary style videos highlighting various social issues within the Cambridge community. These mini-documentaries are the trainee’s final projects and are meant to simulate what it would be like to work with a client to produce a video. Audible volunteers work alongside the trainees from developing the content and scripts, to conducting interviews with community members, through the final edits, and public showcasing of the projects. Audible’s commitment to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities and to striving for social and economic justice, is a natural fit with The Loop Lab in our commitment to end inequality and racism through digital storytelling.
On behalf of The Loop Lab Board, staff and, especially the young people we serve, we thank these important Loop Lab supporters.