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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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.
29 Foundations Pledge Over $4 Billion to Address Climate Change
Barr commits at least $100 million over the next five years, joining the largest-ever philanthropic investment in climate change mitigation.
Barr Awards $1.26 Million for New England Civil Rights Fund
Fourteen organizations supported as part of 2018 Special Initiative.
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.