Our Work - Kenneth Rainin Foundation

Our Work

​​The Kenneth Rainin Foundation supports Bay Area artists, Oakland’s youngest learners and Inflammatory Bowel Disease research worldwide.

Interdependence, creativity and equity are at the heart of what we do. We embed principles of equity in every aspect of our work. Our core program grants support Bay Area artists to thrive, Oakland children to read and succeed, and innovative research to improve the lives of people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Funding Areas

The Foundation’s three giving areas are Arts, Education and Health. Explore our funding strategies and initiatives.

Arts

Our Arts Program supports diverse, visionary Bay Area artists working in dance, film, theater and public space.

Education

Our Education Program supports early childhood education to ensure that Oakland children have the literacy skills to communicate, learn and thrive by third grade.

Health

Our Health Program provides early support for innovative research ideas that can lead to improvements in preventing, diagnosing and treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

What We’re Learning

 The Kenneth Rainin Foundation reports on our progress and shares what we are learning so others can build on that knowledge and amplify its impact.

Foundation News & Stories

Arrows in the Rainin Foundation's brand color palette converging.
Resources To Support Nonprofits In The Current Landscape

02/05/2026 | Blog

The Rainin Foundation has compiled resources to help our grantees manage the evolving landscape and continue their vital work.

photo of Shelley Trott
Highlighting Philanthropy’s Role In Transforming This Moment

02/04/2026 | Foundation News

Shelley Trott, Executive Director, shares how the moment we are in sets the stage for a “Third Founding” that centers human dignity, agency and possibility.

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Using Our 2025 Response Fund To Defend, Unify And Uplift 

01/15/2026 | Foundation News

The Foundation’s $4 million Response Fund allowed for nimble, timely and strategic giving as we galvanized to support our communities and protect and defend human rights.

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