
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 a trustee of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 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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Introducing Cross-Program Initiatives
Jim Canales describes initial priorities for a set of investments intended to complement and reinforce all of Barr’s core program work.
Stewards and Catalysts: Barr’s Next Chapter
Barr’s president outlines new plans to build on a legacy of good work, with ambitious goals and sharper focus over expanded geography.
Announcing $19.2 Million in New Grants and Increased Grantmaking for 2016
Jim Canales reports on the Barr Foundation’s final grants awarded in 2015 and an increased grants budget for 2016.
Philanthropy and Risk
Strategic planning has given us an opportunity to explore and define the role of risk in our work at the Barr Foundation.
Radio Silence Not Required
At Barr, we don’t think strategic planning requires going quiet until the work is done.
An Update On Our Planning Efforts
What to expect in the months ahead at Barr.
A Year in Context
A look back at my first year at the Barr Foundation.
Barr Welcomes NEA Chairman Jane Chu to Boston
NEA chairman’s visit shines national spotlight on arts and culture in Boston.
Boston Launches First-Ever Cultural Planning Process
A city takes the long-term view of arts and culture.
On New Websites and Transparency
Why website redesigns are the first move, not the last, towards greater transparency.