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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Dismantling Racism is Everyone’s Work
The murders in Buffalo are, yet again, a call to action.
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.
Regardless of What Happens, Structural Racism Persists
Awaiting a verdict in the Chauvin trial.
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.