Jim Canales was appointed president and trustee of the Barr Foundation in May 2014. Prior to joining Barr, he spent two decades in a variety of roles at The James Irvine Foundation in California, including president and chief executive officer from 2003 through 2014. His writing on a range of topics has appeared in The Boston Globe, the San Francisco Chronicle, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Stanford Social Innovation Review, and The Huffington Post, among other outlets.
Reimagining Philanthropy’s Commitment to Racial Equity
The realities of white supremacy, systemic racism, and violence against people of color and LGBTQ+ people — always present but rarely challenged by those with power — demand intense reflection and tangible action.
The Real Work Persists
In this year-end blog post, Jim Canales reflects on 2021 and previews Barr’s plans for the year ahead.
Boston Elects a New Mayor
Jim Canales reflects on Barr’s longstanding commitment to Boston at this watershed moment.
The Human Factor
Jim Canales reflects on recent staffing additions and changes in support of Barr’s mission of service
From Commitment to Action: Barr’s Racial Equity Work
Barr’s president introduces refreshed core values, recent grant investments, and new website section focused on Barr’s commitment to racial equity.
In Solidarity Against Anti-Asian Racism
Denouncing rising anti-Asian hate crimes and the recent murders in Atlanta.
Barr Commits Over $2 Million for Vaccine Equity Efforts
The Foundation joins local funders in supporting equitable access to the vaccine.
Time to Reimagine What Can Be, Not Rebuild What Was
On a sobering anniversary, Barr’s president reflects on lessons from a challenging year and new opportunities as we look to the future.