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.
Barr Announces $1-Million Response to “Zero-Tolerance” Policies & Family Separations
Support combines $500,000 in grants from the Foundation with $500,000 in personal gifts from Barr’s founding trustees.
“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.