Search Grantees - Kenneth Rainin Foundation

California Scenic Fabrication (Cal Scenic)

Project Title: The Cal Shakes scene shop (“The Shop”) Nonprofit Transition
Giving Area: Foundation
Program: Response Fund (Invitation Only)
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $100,000.00

Abstract or Project Description

Supporting the successful transition of the Cal Shakes scene shop (“The Shop”) from a department of California Shakespeare Theater (“Cal Shakes”) into its own standalone nonprofit.

Californians for the Arts

Project Title: Field Leadership/Artist Advocate Program
Giving Area: Arts
Program: Invite-Only Grants
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $886,000.00

Abstract or Project Description

To support the engagement of Russell Consulting to launch and lead the Grassroots Artists Advocacy Program (GAAP) designed to train and empower individual artists to effectively advocate for policies benefitting artists and arts organizations and participate in coalition building with other sectors across the stateÕs creative economy.

Center For The Collaborative Classroom

Project Title: K-2 Literacy Support
Giving Area: Education
Program: Invite-Only Grants
Grant Type: Continued Support
Year: 2024
Amount: $400,000.00

Abstract or Project Description

Provides K-2 literacy coaching and training for tutors in OUSD schools.

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Project Title: Epithelial signals mediating intestinal fibrosis.
Giving Area: Health
Program: Innovator Awards
Grant Type: Continued Support
Year: 2024
Amount: $125,000
Principal Investigator: Lee Denson, MD
Co-Investigator Organization: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Co-Investigator: Michael Helmrath, MD
Second Co-Investigator Organization: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Second Co-Investigator: James Wells, PhD

Abstract or Project Description

The epithelial cells lining the intestine control responses to gut bacteria, limiting intestinal damage in Crohn’s disease. A critical gene in this pathway is DUOX2, which is up-regulated in response to bacteria, and helps maintain intestinal health. We discovered that Crohn’s disease patients who carry genetic variants in DUOX2 are more likely to progress to fibrotic disease complications requiring surgery. We tested an intestinal gene signature for refractory pediatric Crohn’s disease in a database containing 2000 small molecules, identifying 140 which might be more effective therapies. Our studies will now utilize a novel Human Intestinal Organoid, or “mini-gut” model system for refractory pediatric Crohn’s disease that we have developed informed by genetic factors like DUOX2. We have prepared stem cells from pediatric Crohn’s disease patients who did or did not have DUOX2 genetic variants, and will differentiate them into white blood cells and human intestinal organoids. This novel model system will be used to test ways to modulate pathways linked to fibrosis in patients, by screening the top small molecules which we have identified as potentially beneficial. Our studies will advance precision medicine, by developing a platform to screen new therapies in patient-derived intestinal organoids with clinically important genetic variants.

Circo Zero

Project Title: Rest and Care Award
Giving Area: Arts
Program: Invite-Only Grants
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $40,000.00

Abstract or Project Description

The Rest and Care Award is a one-time, invite-only program for current and past Education and Arts nonprofit grantees, offering six-week sabbaticals with pro-rated salary, benefits, leave expenses and organizational support, recognizing the dedication and resilience of leaders in our grantee community. Circo Zero makes live interdisciplinary and experimental performances responding to political crises, while centering queer bodies and ideas. Artistic Director Keith Hennessy has led the organization for 23 years.

Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Project Title: Identifying the driver of penetrating fibrosis in Crohn’s disease.
Giving Area: Health
Program: Innovator Awards
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $200,000
Principal Investigator: Hyun Jung Kim, MD
Co-Investigator Organization: Cleveland Clinic
Co-Investigator: Olumuyiwa Awoniyi, MD
Abstract or Project Description
People with Crohn’s disease (CD) often experience intestinal fibrosis, a result of chronic inflammation that thickens the gut wall, forms scar tissues and narrows the digestive tract, leading to blockages. This persistent fibrotic process necessitates multiple surgeries over a person’s lifetime. Currently, there are no targeted medications for fibrosis due to a lack of understanding of its root causes. Hence, it is crucial to identify early fibrogenic drivers to prevent further fibrosis. Our approach involves studying the influence of gut cells, the gut microbiome and physical bowel movement on initiating the early fibrotic process. We aim to identify key drivers of early fibrosis by using a bioengineered fibrotic Crohn’s disease-on-a-chip model with patient-derived cells and simulated abnormal bowel movements. Our objectives include testing for abnormalities of gut cells and the microbes that trigger early fibrosis (AIM 1), investigating the impact of abnormal bowel movements on the early fibrotic process (AIM 2) and exploring the role of microbial components in initiating CD fibrosis (AIM 3). Our ultimate goal is to develop strategies for preventing early fibrosis in CD, significantly enhancing the lives and quality of life for CD patients with devastating fibrosis.

Community Arts Stabilization Trust

Project Title: General Operating Support
Giving Area: Arts
Program: Invite-Only Grants
Grant Type: Continued Support
Year: 2024
Amount: $3,000,000.00

Abstract or Project Description

To create affordable, long-term space for artists and small and mid-sized arts organizations in San Francisco, Oakland and other urban locations.

Community Vision Capital & Consulting

Project Title: Real Estate Readiness & Consulting Services
Giving Area: Arts
Program: Invite-Only Grants
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $100,000.00

Abstract or Project Description

To support the continuation of Community Vision’s Real Estate Readiness workshop series and consulting services for Bay Area arts organizations.

Conni McKenzie

Project Title: “Borrowed”
Giving Area: Arts
Program: NEW Program
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $19,500.00

Abstract or Project Description

An immersive dance theater experience that uplifts marginalized communities by addressing the impact of climate change on Black and BIPOC neighborhoods, thereby offering a unique opportunity for self-discovery through nature and the arts that ultimately aims to transform the relationship between the community and the environment.

CounterPulse

Project Title: Rest and Care Award
Giving Area: Arts
Program: Invite-Only Grants
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $40,000.00

Abstract or Project Description

The Rest and Care Award is a one-time, invite-only program for current and past Education and Arts nonprofit grantees, offering six-week sabbaticals with pro-rated salary, benefits, leave expenses and organizational support, recognizing the dedication and resilience of leaders in our grantee community. CounterPulse is home to a 30+ year legacy of experimental and interdisciplinary dance and performance in San Francisco. Executive Artistic Director Julie Phelps has led the organization for the past ten years and has worked there since 2008.

CounterPulse

Project Title: “Dance House”
Giving Area: Arts
Program: NEW Program
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $30,000.00

Abstract or Project Description

“Dance House” transforms CounterPulse into an immersive world blending vertical dance, drag, modern dance, and queer nightlife, inviting audiences to participate in joyful, norm-defying movement and interdisciplinary connections. Creator Saharla Vetsch builds on her bridging of these disparate forms and communities to forge new interdisciplinary work and connections.

CounterPulse

Project Title: Unionization Process Support and Case Study
Giving Area: Foundation
Program: Response Fund (Invitation Only)
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $20,000.00

Abstract or Project Description

To support engagement of a bargaining facilitator and development of a case study on their unionization process.

Create CA

Project Title: Create CA Arts Now Program
Giving Area: Foundation
Program: Response Fund (Invitation Only)
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $50,000.00

Abstract or Project Description

To support the Create CA Arts Now Program to expand public funding and access to arts education for all students, regardless of background or zip code.

CubaCaribe

Project Title: Rest and Care Award
Giving Area: Arts
Program: Invite-Only Grants
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $40,000.00

Abstract or Project Description

The Rest and Care Award is a one-time, invite-only program for current and past Education and Arts nonprofit grantees, offering six-week sabbaticals with pro-rated salary, benefits, leave expenses and organizational support, recognizing the dedication and resilience of leaders in our grantee community. CubaCaribe preserves, promotes and presents dance, music and visual artworks grounded in the cultural and artistic traditions of the Caribbean and its diaspora. Co-founder and Executive Director Jamaica Itule Simmons has led the organization for 21 years.

CubaCaribe

Project Title: “Re-conocimiento”
Giving Area: Arts
Program: NEW Program
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $20,000.00

Abstract or Project Description

A new piece by Shefali Shah drawing on Shefali’s expertise in Puerto Rican Bomba that explores the emotional transition to womanhood, self- awareness and strength of identity.

Cultural Alliance Of Medfield

Project Title: Bellforge Arts Center
Giving Area: Foundation
Program: Discretionary Awards (Invitation Only)
Grant Type: New
Year: 2024
Amount: $12,000.00

Abstract or Project Description

Rooted in nature and a legacy of healing, Bellforge nurtures community, creativity and self-expression through the arts.

Dancer's Group

Project Title: General support for the CA$H Grant Program
Giving Area: Arts
Program: Invite-Only Grants
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $12,500.00

Abstract or Project Description

To support the distribution of funds to diverse Bay Area micro dance and theater organizations and individual artists.

David Herrera Performance Company

Project Title: Rest and Care Award
Giving Area: Arts
Program: Invite-Only Grants
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $39,860.00

Abstract or Project Description

The Rest and Care Award is a one-time, invite-only program for current and past Education and Arts nonprofit grantees, offering six-week sabbaticals with pro-rated salary, benefits, leave expenses and organizational support, recognizing the dedication and resilience of leaders in our grantee community. David Herrera Performance Company (DHPCo) promotes Latinx voices through innovative, thought-provoking modern dance. Founder David Herrera has led the company for 17 years.

dazaun.dance

Project Title: “may we heal?”
Giving Area: Arts
Program: NEW Program
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $10,000.00

Abstract or Project Description

An evocative performance piece delving into the intricate journey of healing a body burdened by unprocessed generational trauma. Incorporating elements of dance, song, spoken word and architecture, “may we heal?” strives to embody a deeply human experience, inviting audiences to connect from an open-hearted space.

Destiny Arts Center

Project Title: Teddy Bear Movement Arts
Giving Area: Education
Program: Early Care Spaces
Grant Type: New Grant
Year: 2024
Amount: $100,000.00

Abstract or Project Description

Destiny Arts Center promotes social change through culturally affirming movement-based arts that empower Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) youth. The grant supports two years of movement arts instruction for children ages two to six and their caregivers, enhancing language and literacy development for underserved families in Oakland flatlands.

Grantee	Giving Area	Program	Grant Year	Project Title	Amount
California Scenic Fabrication (Cal Scenic)	Foundation	Response Fund (Invitation Only)	2024	The Cal Shakes scene shop (“The Shop”) Nonprofit Transition	$100,000.00
Californians for the Arts	Arts	Invite-Only Grants	2024	Field Leadership/Artist Advocate Program	$886,000.00
Center For The Collaborative Classroom	Education	Invite-Only Grants	2024	K-2 Literacy Support	$400,000.00
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center	Health	Innovator Awards	2024	Epithelial signals mediating intestinal fibrosis.	$125,000
Circo Zero	Arts	Invite-Only Grants	2024	Rest and Care Award	$40,000.00
Cleveland Clinic Foundation	Health	Innovator Awards	2024	Identifying the driver of penetrating fibrosis in Crohn’s disease.	$200,000
Community Arts Stabilization Trust	Arts	Invite-Only Grants	2024	General Operating Support	$3,000,000.00
Community Vision Capital & Consulting	Arts	Invite-Only Grants	2024	Real Estate Readiness & Consulting Services	$100,000.00
Conni McKenzie	Arts	NEW Program	2024	“Borrowed”	$19,500.00
CounterPulse	Arts	Invite-Only Grants	2024	Rest and Care Award	$40,000.00
CounterPulse	Arts	NEW Program	2024	“Dance House”	$30,000.00
CounterPulse	Foundation	Response Fund (Invitation Only)	2024	Unionization Process Support and Case Study	$20,000.00
Create CA	Foundation	Response Fund (Invitation Only)	2024	Create CA Arts Now Program	$50,000.00
CubaCaribe	Arts	Invite-Only Grants	2024	Rest and Care Award	$40,000.00
CubaCaribe	Arts	NEW Program	2024	“Re-conocimiento”	$20,000.00
Cultural Alliance Of Medfield	Foundation	Discretionary Awards (Invitation Only)	2024	Bellforge Arts Center	$12,000.00
Dancer's Group	Arts	Invite-Only Grants	2024	General support for the CA$H Grant Program	$12,500.00
David Herrera Performance Company	Arts	Invite-Only Grants	2024	Rest and Care Award	$39,860.00
dazaun.dance	Arts	NEW Program	2024	“may we heal?”	$10,000.00
Destiny Arts Center	Education	Early Care Spaces	2024	Teddy Bear Movement Arts	$100,000.00

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A site specific dance in Bayview-Hunter’s Point where three dancers are on top of a roof and one dancer is dancing on a wooden block with a briefcase.

Arts

Our Arts Program funds dance, film, public space and theater projects that highlight important issues facing our society and local communities.

Arts Program

A young Black girl smiling while she looks down at an open book, reading.

Education

Our Education Program supports schools and community-based organizations that help Oakland’s children develop literacy and social emotional skills.

Education Program

A female scientist in the lab looking into a microscope.

Health

Our Health Program invests early in novel approaches and collaborations to advance Inflammatory Bowel Disease research.

Health Program