The Kenneth Rainin Foundation invites Letters of Inquiry for our Innovator Awards Program from August 1 through September 30, 2025. Innovator Awards provide grants of up to $150,000 for individual research projects and up to $300,000 for collaborative projects. This program supports researchers worldwide to test ideas and work together to advance the understanding of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Investigators who demonstrate significant progress in their first year of funding are eligible for up to two years of additional support.
The Rainin Foundation recognizes that federal funding cuts under the current administration have impacted scientists and research institutions across the US. Due to these circumstances, we anticipate a higher number of Innovator Awards applications, which may make this grant cycle more competitive.
“Now more than ever the Rainin Foundation is committed to being a stable funder and champion of promising biomedical research and collaborations that have the potential to enhance quality of life for IBD patients,” said Laura Wilson, PhD, Director, Health Strategy & Ventures. “We will continue to support novel cutting-edge ideas from both established and early career researchers.”
Prioritizing Diverse Perspectives And Innovative Ideas
The Rainin Foundation believes that diverse perspectives are crucial to advancing research. We encourage early career investigators, those who are new to the IBD field and those who are underrepresented in science to apply. No preliminary data is needed to receive Innovator Awards funding.
Applications are evaluated based on innovation, scientific merit and the principal investigator’s ability to execute the project. Innovative ideas spur new lines of thinking and introduce novel methods or technologies that might transform how we predict, diagnose, treat and prevent IBD. Learn more about what we mean by “innovative” in our frequently asked questions.
How To Apply For Funding
The Innovator Awards application is a two-step process. Applicants first submit a Letter of Inquiry through the Foundation’s online application system from August 1-September 30, 2025, at 5 PM PST. Those selected by our Scientific Advisory Board will be invited to submit a full proposal by February 2, 2026. Awards will be announced by May 1, 2026, for the June 1, 2026-May 31, 2027, grant period.
Investigators may only submit one proposal. Former Rainin Foundation grantees are eligible to apply but current grantees are not eligible to apply for a new grant.
Explore past Innovator Awards grantees and visit the Rainin IBD portal to learn about the research areas and scientists we have supported, as well as our vision and strategy for solving IBD. We also invite you to read more about the Innovator Awards’ funding criteria, eligibility requirements and guidelines before applying.
About The Kenneth Rainin Foundation
Kenneth Rainin Foundation is a family foundation that collaborates with creative thinkers in the Arts, Education and Health. We believe in taking smart risks to achieve breakthroughs. Our grantmaking supports visionary artists in the Bay Area, creates opportunities for Oakland’s youngest learners and funds researchers on the forefront of scientific discoveries. Since 2009, the Foundation has awarded over $52 million in funding to spur breakthroughs in predicting, diagnosing, treating and eventually curing IBD. Learn more about the Rainin Foundation’s grantmaking.
