Barnes FF

What We Do

The Barnes Family Foundation® (BFF) is dedicated to strengthening social connection as a vital foundation for healthy individuals, thriving communities, and a resilient society.

The Foundation advances research, innovation, and practical solutions to better understand and strengthen social connection. By supporting long-term partnerships, investing in measurement and data, and fostering new ideas, it turns insights into action.

The Foundation provides vision, long-term stewardship, and partnerships to advance its mission through a set of complementary initiatives, each playing a distinct role within a broader ecosystem.

Our Key Initiatives

Empowering Meaningful Connection

Science-backed tools to strengthen human connection—for individuals, workplaces, and communities.

Visit Sunny

Illuminating Social Well-being

A data framework that creates community-level measures of social conditions.

Visit Social Weather

Measuring Social Connection

A 25-year initiative measuring social connection at national and state levels.

Visit Social Connection in America

Inspiring Social Innovation

A collaborative hub inspiring innovation and creativity among social innovators and entrepreneurs across sectors.

Meet Dan Barnes

Dan Barnes is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who leads the Barnes Family Foundation as Executive Chair. His work centers on unlocking long-term impact through social innovation, connection, and collaborative problem-solving.

A longtime supporter and partner of United Way, Dan brings a deep commitment to strengthening community systems. His vision has guided  the creation of groundbreaking efforts like Sunny, Social Weather and Social Connection in America—backed by a belief that science, generosity, and bold ideas can help everyone thrive and flourish. His approach to philanthropy blends data and empathy, with a focus on sustainable models that serve the public good.