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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Inspiring Joy and Promoting Peace on Boston’s Waterfront
The Martin Richard Charitable Foundation and partners celebrate the groundbreaking of Martin’s Park.
Barr Announces Request for Proposals as Part of Waterfront Initiative
Foundation issues RFP to support constituency-building for a great public realm along Boston’s waterfront.
Investing in New Spaces for Artists and Creative Innovators
Barr contributes $1.965 million for planning, development, and build-out of new arts-related collaborative workspaces across Massachusetts.
New Grants to Promote and Sustain a Healthy Democracy
Second set of grants in Barr’s 2017 Special Initiative focus on strengthening journalism and protecting freedom of the press.
New Initiative Seeks to Protect Civil Liberties, Informed Democracy
First grants of 2017 Special Initiative aim to bolster organizations’ capacity to respond to growing demand and to extend their reach.
In Changing Times, Philanthropy Must Adapt
Amidst rapid change, uncertainty, and urgent calls for action, how should a foundation balance a commitment to strategy with a capacity to adapt?
A Milestone Year
Jim Canales shares highlights from the first year under Barr’s new strategies and announces increased grantmaking for 2017.
King Tides Preview Rising Seas
Boston’s recent “King Tides” provided a glimpse into the near-future—what scientists predict will be the “new normal” of daily high tides by mid-century.
The Promise of Integrated Water Transportation in Boston
On November 3, the Boston City Council’s Committee on Parks, Recreation, & Transportation held a hearing on water transportation in Boston Harbor. Jim Canales was invited to testify. Following are his remarks.