About The Barry Foundation The Barry Foundation was founded in 1986 by B. John Barry with a passion for proactive philanthropy and a commitment to giving back to his roots in North Dakota and Minnesota. Since 2007, The Barry Foundation has facilitated programming throughout the region to bring up the next generation of young philanthropists and support their goals during high school and beyond. ​ Guided by The Barry Foundation’s five values of Creativity, Proactive, Passion, Gratitude, and Sustainability, its programs: Philanthropy and Youth (PaY), the PaY Summer Internship Program, the Barry Scholarship Program, and the Philanthropy: Forward empower young philanthropists to make the world a better place, starting with their own communities. ​The words inspire.lead.share encompass the mission and values of The Barry Foundation and its various programs. Whether you are a student in our Philanthropy and Youth (PaY) program, an intern a scholarship recipient, an alum, or one of our nonprofit partners, we strive to inspire through passion, lead with action, and share with compassion.