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.
The Power and Potential of our Creative Economy
Business, government, and cultural leaders champion findings of new reports detailing how much “Arts Means Business” in New England.
Inspiring Joy and Promoting Peace on Boston’s Waterfront
The Martin Richard Charitable Foundation and partners celebrate the groundbreaking of Martin’s Park.
Barr Announces Request for Proposals as Part of Waterfront Initiative
Foundation issues RFP to support constituency-building for a great public realm along Boston’s waterfront.
Investing in New Spaces for Artists and Creative Innovators
Barr contributes $1.965 million for planning, development, and build-out of new arts-related collaborative workspaces across Massachusetts.
New Grants to Promote and Sustain a Healthy Democracy
Second set of grants in Barr’s 2017 Special Initiative focus on strengthening journalism and protecting freedom of the press.
New Initiative Seeks to Protect Civil Liberties, Informed Democracy
First grants of 2017 Special Initiative aim to bolster organizations’ capacity to respond to growing demand and to extend their reach.
In Changing Times, Philanthropy Must Adapt
Amidst rapid change, uncertainty, and urgent calls for action, how should a foundation balance a commitment to strategy with a capacity to adapt?
A Milestone Year
Jim Canales shares highlights from the first year under Barr’s new strategies and announces increased grantmaking for 2017.
King Tides Preview Rising Seas
Boston’s recent “King Tides” provided a glimpse into the near-future—what scientists predict will be the “new normal” of daily high tides by mid-century.