Jim was named president and a trustee of the Barr Foundation in May 2014. Since his arrival, Barr has experienced significant growth. Annual grantmaking has tripled and the staff has more than doubled in size. Prior to Barr, Jim spent over two decades at The James Irvine Foundation, including service as president and CEO from 2003 through 2014. Before working in philanthropy, Jim was a high school English teacher. Jim currently serves as vice chair of the Kaiser Family Foundation and as a trustee of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston Public Library, and Eastern Bank Foundation. Jim’s prior board service includes a ten-year term as a Stanford University trustee and as chair of the boards of the College Futures Foundation, KQED Public Broadcasting, Stanford Alumni Association, and Larkin Street Youth Services, and as vice chair of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Jim’s writings on a range of topics have appeared in the Boston Globe, San Francisco Chronicle, Chronicle of Philanthropy, and Stanford Social Innovation Review, among other outlets. And he has been a featured speaker, panelist, moderator, or guest at a variety of forums dedicated to a stronger social sector, including the Center for Effective Philanthropy, Communications Network, PEAK Grantmaking, and Inside Philanthropy.
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“Typical” Isn’t Good Enough
We asked our grantees what it’s like to work with Barr. Here’s what we learned and what we’re doing about it.
Supporting New England Communities Under Threat and Ensuring a Fair and Accurate 2020 Census Count
Barr announces $3-million expansion of 2017 Special Initiative, including an open request for proposals to fund efforts throughout New England.
Investing in Arts Organizations as Leaders
In partnership with 15 Massachusetts arts organizations, Barr launches a $30 million, six-year effort to amplify their leadership in changing communities.
Board Time: Three Keys to Strategic Engagement
Jim Canales contributes to a new blog series on effective foundation governance.
10 Foundation Presidents Urge Preservation of Vital Federal Investments in Communities
ArtPlace America and its foundation partners respond to the President’s 2019 Federal Budget Request that proposes cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts, among other federal agencies.
Barr Foundation Announces Creative Commonwealth Initiative
In partnership with five community foundations, Barr launches new $3 million initiative to strengthen arts and creativity across Massachusetts.
Barr Foundation Expands Climate Program
With an initial $5 million commitment for 2018, Barr Foundation adds climate resilience as a third priority of its Climate program.
Riding the Bus Is About to Get Better for 30,000 Commuters
Arlington, Everett, and Cambridge in partnership with Watertown, receive $100,000 grants to demonstrate BRT’s potential.
Giving that Considers All Costs
Three principles that guide Barr's approach to its grant investments.