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.
A Message to Our Grantees on COVID-19
Barr’s plans and commitments in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Barr's Equity Journey
Reflections on our ongoing efforts to advance the mission imperative of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Building on Growth as We Enter a New Decade
Barr’s evolution continues with new colleagues, expanded giving.
Announcing Extension of Partnership with Five Community Foundations Advancing Arts Across Massachusetts
Next three years will focus on implementing ambitious plans and expanding successful early efforts, with $5 million in new support from Barr, and partners’ commitments to collectively raise more than $1 million in new local arts philanthropy.
We Must Persevere
In the face of today’s political rhetoric, the work we do as foundations and nonprofits is more important than ever.
Announcing the 2019 Class of Barr Fellows
Selected for their outstanding leadership and contributions to the Greater Boston community.
Boston Needs to Invest in a New Generation of Artists
This article was originally published in the Opinion section of The Boston Globe on June 6, 2019.
Bold Aspirations for Boston’s Future
Highlights from a recent event at WBUR’s CitySpace, Boston’s newest home for civic discourse.
Barr Foundation Extends Commitment to Boston Waterfront
With opportunity to build on progress and advance an ambitious vision, foundation launches search for full-time director of its waterfront initiative.
A Time for Aspiration
Amidst turbulent times and daunting challenges, we all must commit to greater ambition, bolder action, and impatience with the status quo.