Shelley Trott has been named the Foundation’s first Executive Director and will assume the role September 1.
The Kenneth Rainin Foundation is elated to announce the appointment of Shelley Trott as its first Executive Director. This new position will implement the Foundation’s vision and oversee its effective and impactful grantmaking and operations. Shelley has held multiple leadership roles at the Foundation during her 15-year tenure, including Chief Program Officer for the past three years. The Executive Director role takes effect September 1 and reports to Chief Executive Officer Jen Rainin, who will continue overseeing the Foundation’s overall strategic direction.
“It has been a true pleasure working with Shelley since she joined as one of our first staff members in 2009,” said Jen Rainin. “Shelley has been instrumental in shaping our culture and values while deepening our understanding of the potential impact of philanthropy. She is a visionary and inclusive leader, with integrity and a deep commitment to the Foundation’s mission and vision. It’s been a remarkable journey of service and I’m grateful for her partnership. I am confident that she will continue to thrive in this new role.”
…as one of our first staff members in 2009, Shelley has been instrumental in shaping our culture and values while deepening our understanding of the potential impact of philanthropy.
Jen Rainin, CEO
Shelley first joined the Rainin Foundation as Grants Manager, working her way up to Arts Program Officer and then Director of Arts Strategy and Ventures, before becoming Chief Program Officer. Her background as a dancer and media artist influenced her entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative style, and contributed to the Foundation’s impressive history of accomplishments in the Arts, Education and Health over the past 15 years. Shelley’s career highlights include:
- Her innovative approach and creativity in securing and stewarding affordable spaces for arts and culture organizations in the Bay Area cemented the Foundation’s reputation for taking smart risks and fostering strong collaboration.
- She championed and advanced the Foundation’s diversity, equity and inclusion work, and partnered with staff in embedding trust-based philanthropy practices aimed at balancing the power dynamics between funders and nonprofits.
- She recently joined forces with peer funders to create the first Common App for the Arts. This tool streamlines the application process, saving time and resources for grant seeking arts and culture organizations.
- She fostered collaboration across departments to design the first foundation-wide learning and evaluation initiative.
- She partnered with Rainin Foundation leaders to co-create our inaugural Program-Related Investment Fund, further enhancing the Foundation’s resources for public good.
“My work has given me profound insight into how philanthropy supports a just society,” said Shelley. “I’ve built strong connections with our staff, nonprofits, peer funders and government leaders based on mutual respect and accountability. Together, we introduced groundbreaking ideas and achieved impactful solutions. As we move into this next chapter, I’m excited to build on our accomplishments and feel deeply honored by this opportunity.”
My work has given me profound insight into how philanthropy supports a just society. As we move into this next chapter, I’m excited to build on our accomplishments and feel deeply honored by this opportunity.
Shelley Trott, Executive Director
Shelley was named a 2023 Change Leaders in Philanthropy Fellow and received the prestigious Robert W. Scrivner Award from the Council on Foundations in 2014, in recognition of her outstanding creativity in grantmaking at the individual level. She is currently Board President of the Community Arts Stabilization Trust (CAST), an organization she helped launch, and is the Founding Board President of Immersive Arts Alliance.
Read Shelley’s bio to learn more about her background and philanthropic work.
A Message From Shelley Trott, Our New Executive Director
I am thrilled to assume the new role of Executive Director at the Rainin Foundation. I’ve held the rare privilege of working here from the beginning, with curiosity and humility, increasing my philanthropic knowledge through amazing and generous partnerships and lived experience. I want to recognize the significance of this moment. It’s truly meaningful for me to share the responsibility of leading the Foundation with Jen, and to be trusted with guiding our work at this level.
Before I came to the Foundation in 2009, I was a dancer, choreographer and occasional filmmaker. I was compelled to do that work because I was passionate about the emotional and life-changing impact art can have on people and the world. And I was drawn to philanthropy for the same reasons—to help change people’s lives for the better and to realize the possibility of a more equitable, connected and just world.
I feel a similar sense of hope and excitement as we look ahead, eager to embrace the new opportunities and challenges that await us. I look forward to working together with the communities we serve and with Jen, our Board of Directors and the entire Foundation staff, to advance our mission and vision.
In my time here, we’ve collaborated on a myriad of solutions and issues, creating something truly remarkable. I will draw from that inspiration, great work and creativity to guide our future together.
Warmly,
Shelley Trott
