News & Stories - Kenneth Rainin Foundation

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation shares news, what we’re learning and stories written in collaboration with our grantees and partners. Read our blogs to learn about the work of the Foundation and the incredible artists, educators and researchers we support.

A street scene, photographed from up high, shows three prominent buildings, people walking and a blue and yellow street car.

Movement To Safeguard Creative Communities Inspires New Global Summit

04/29/2025 | Arts

In May, the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, along with Left Bank Co. and World Cities Culture Forum, will welcome 20 cities to the inaugural Creative Land Trust Summit in San Francisco.

Foundation Announces 2025 Rainin Arts Fellows [VIDEO]

04/23/2025 | Arts

Meet the 2025 Rainin Fellows—Brenda Wong Aoki (Theater), Christy Chan (Public Space), Vanessa Sanchez (Dance) and Kyle Casey Chu AKA Panda Dulce (Film). Photos courtesy of the artists.

kindergarten student sits a table holding a pencil while smiling big directly at the camer

Adapting Our Education Strategies [VIDEO]

02/06/2025 | Education

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation’s new Education Program strategies embrace equity and center community knowledge.

Three Reasons To Attend Our 2025 Innovations Symposium

02/05/2025 | Blog Health

Join fellow researchers, trainees and clinicians from around the world for the Kenneth Rainin Foundation’s 2025 Innovations Symposium.

Dancers dressed in black holding up a contraption of wooden pieces held together by colorful tape.

Rainin Foundation Awards Over $820,000 In Dance And Theater Grants

02/04/2025 | Arts

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation awarded $821,500 to 33 small and mid-sized arts organizations through our NEW Program.

In the foreground, a hopeful dancer gazes outward, clutching a book close to her body. In the background, five other dancers are captured in motion, symbolizing struggle and labor.

Grant Opportunity For Dance And Theater Works

02/04/2025 | Arts

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation invites applications for our NEW Program from March 3-24, 2025, using the Common Application for the Arts.

Three people sit on a bench on a darkly lit stage. Their heads tilt back and they are looking up at something not in the photo. Their hands are cupped over their chests.

Using Our Resources To Face The Challenges Ahead

01/30/2025 | Blog Foundation News

The threats made during the campaign are real and upon us and we must protect the most vulnerable among us.

An adult and young child huddle closely, while the child works on a number game.

Rainin Foundation Awards $715,000 For Early Language & Literacy Development

01/22/2025 | Education

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation awarded $715,000 to eight organizations through our Early Care Spaces Program.

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Rainin Foundation Awards Over $810,000 For Temporary Public Art

01/09/2025 | Arts

The nine funded projects feature generative collaborations between artists, communities and nonprofit organizations.

2024 Filmmaking Grantees Announced

12/06/2024 | Arts

SFFILM has announced the 17 recipients for the 2024 SFFILM Rainin Grant and the three recipients of the SFFILM Rainin Filmmakers with Disabilities Grant.

A group of men and women standing together

Reflections From Our New Executive Director

12/04/2024 | Blog Foundation News

Shelley Trott reflects on her journey, her aspirations for the Foundation and the influences that have shaped her leadership.

A 24-square grid featuring a collage of headshots.

2024 Filmmaking Finalists Announced

11/13/2024 | Arts

Twenty-three filmmaking teams have been shortlisted as contenders to receive funding and professional support for their narrative projects.

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