Last January, in direct response to sweeping federal actions that threatened our democracy and collective freedom, the Kenneth Rainin Foundation dedicated $4 million to our Response Fund to urgently meet the moment. This was unprecedented giving for unprecedented times. Speaking out and taking action wasn’t a choice, it was an imperative. Many of the communities we support were under threat—as was philanthropy at large. The Response Fund allowed us to be nimble, timely and strategic as we galvanized to protect and defend human rights. By rising up instead of shrinking away, we stayed true to our philanthropic mission to safeguard our most vulnerable communities in the face of widespread uncertainty and fear.
Response Fund Giving At A Glance
- The Response Fund represented 15% of our overall grantmaking in 2025.
- A majority of Response Fund dollars went directly toward our Arts, Education and Health strategies and to offering immediate, flexible support to mitigate the impacts of federal actions.
- Distributed $875,000 to organizations defending the philanthropic and nonprofit sector from regulatory threats.
- Explore the list of 2025 Response Fund grantees here.
Defending And Unifying The Philanthropic Sector
Nonprofits are in peril under an administration that aims to silence and paralyze the sector. In April, we joined over 720 foundations in signing Philanthropy’s Freedom to Give, unifying in our commitment to protecting these essential organizations and the communities that rely on them. Recognizing that coalition building is crucial for resilience, the Response Fund enabled us to invest in key players leading this powerful collective defense.
Buoying Creatives In Times Of Crisis
In moments of turmoil, we become especially attuned to the essential role artists play in society as bridge builders and connectors to our shared humanity. As an extension of our ongoing effort to uplift boundary pushing Bay Area artists, the Response Fund provided additional unrestricted operating support to existing grantees to offset unforeseen shortfalls and created momentum around systems change work designed to build a more durable and equitable ecosystem for artists to thrive long term.
We also used the Response Fund for collaborative funding and learning efforts. The Rainin Foundation’s participation in pooled funds supported 22 Black, Indigenous and People of Color-led organizations with crisis grants, provided relief for artists affected by the Los Angeles fires and will sustain the work of Trans-serving and Trans-led arts organizations. Our leadership in convening the first Creative Land Trust gathering sparked a more intentional, connected global movement to protect space for arts and culture organizations—a key piece of our Arts strategy.
An Arts grantee shared the impact on their practice and perspective:
It is heartening to know that the Foundation recognizes both the artistic and societal roles we strive to play, especially as we navigate the pressures of the current landscape. This grant brings not only financial support but also a sense of collective strength and encouragement.
Surabhi Bharadwaj, Artistic Director, Siddhi Creative
Planting Literacy Seeds Through Policy
The Education Program used the Response Fund to develop a multiyear policy and advocacy strategy, planting seeds that will benefit young people for years to come. This policy agenda has allowed the Foundation to act at the ecosystem level, investing in organizations that are focused on critical literacy issues, including the implementation of evidence-based literacy practices across California. By seizing these strategic opportunities, we are doubling down on our vision of early literacy for every child in Oakland and beyond.
A Continued Commitment To Scientific Discovery
Amid significant federal cuts to scientific research, the Health Team used the Response Fund to benefit early career scientists working on Foundation-funded Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) research. Our investments expanded career development and convening opportunities for trainees and supported the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists, advancing our strategy to increase diversity within our Health grantee community. Beyond direct grants, we also financed a documentary aimed at shifting harmful narratives about science.
A Health grantee shared the following:
The Foundation’s continued commitment to advancing innovative IBD research is profoundly inspiring. These funds will directly enhance the training and professional development of the talented trainees in my laboratory, allowing them to attend meetings, learn new techniques and strengthen their scientific independence. The Foundation’s thoughtful support will have a lasting impact on their careers and, ultimately, on the future of IBD research.
Rafael Czepielewski, PhD, Augusta University Research Institute
Building On Momentum For Future Response
We are motivated by the positive impacts of this giving effort and inspired by the collective action that rose during this politically devastating year. Philanthropy and nonprofits are networked, working across issue areas and coordinating in ways that are unprecedented. This unified action to protect our democracy is critical.
In 2026, we are committing $4 million to our Response Fund, recognizing that new threats to our communities continue to emerge. We remain in conversation with our grantees and partners as we navigate the uncharted territory ahead together. We will continue to act with courage and integrity and hold fast to our vision and values. Philanthropy, nonprofits and communities are working in deeper solidarity and with greater resolve—and that gives us hope. It is this hope that will sustain us and propel us forward.
