News & Stories - Kenneth Rainin Foundation

News & Stories

News about the Kenneth Rainin Foundation’s grantmaking in the Arts, Education and Health as well as grantee stories.

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.

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New Report Outlines Lessons From 10 Years In Cultural Real Estate

08/20/2024 | Arts

“Lessons from 10 Years in Cultural Real Estate” outlines five key takeaways and insights from interviews with Community Arts Stabilization Trust senior staff members to benefit the wider arts and cultural field.

Two people standing shoulder-to-shoulder and smiling.
Announcing The Rainin Foundation’s First Executive Director

08/12/2024 | Foundation News

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation has appointed 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.

Two scientists working in the lab.
Over $4 Million Awarded For IBD Research

08/06/2024 | Health

We’ve awarded over $4 million through our Innovator Awards Program, which supports individual and collaborative research projects that have the potential to improve the prediction, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Two people are smiling and facing a person who has their back to the camera
Our Progress Toward More Equity And Trust

07/30/2024 | Equity + Opportunity

Highlights of our progress toward our vision of authentic, equitable relationships with the communities we serve.

two people, one younger, one older, in matching red short sleeves, stand closely
Apply For A Theater Or Dance Grant

07/24/2024 | Arts

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation invites applications for our New & Experimental Works (NEW) Program from September 9-22, 2024.

Three people standing together smiling.
Grant Opportunity For IBD Research

07/10/2024 | Health

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation invites Letters of Inquiry for our Innovator Awards Program from August 1 through September 30, 2024.

Four people standing closely together, smiling at the camera.
Saying Goodbye To Our Colleague

06/10/2024 | Arts Foundation News

After seven years of dedicated service to the Rainin Foundation, Ted Russell is departing to re-establish his consultant practice where he will continue to support artists.

Two people standing together, smiling at the camera.
Serena’s Next Chapter: Graduate School

06/10/2024 | Foundation News

Serena Solórzano, Program Assistant, will leave the Rainin Foundation in July to pursue graduate studies in social work.

An early education classroom where two adults are on a playmat with two young children. One adult is high-fiving one of the children.
Grant Opportunity For Early Language & Literacy Development

06/05/2024 | Education

Early Care Spaces will provide grants of up to $100,000 to support organizations promoting early language and literacy development for Oakland children from birth to five years old.

Headshot of Alex Featherston-Gomez.
Alex Featherston-Gomez Promoted To Grants Management & Learning Officer

06/03/2024 | Foundation News

The newly expanded Grants Management & Learning Team will lead the grantmaking practice and oversee the strategic and cultural development of the Foundation’s Learning and Evaluation framework.

a smiling child points at a book that their teacher is holding open.
Foundation Awards Over $245,000 In Education Grants

05/21/2024 | Education

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation awarded over $245,000 in Education grants in April to support Oakland’s early learning ecosystem.

A large group of people standing and sitting in front of a projector screen.
Exploring The Impact Of Our Literacy Investments

05/09/2024 | Education

Informing Change evaluated our Education grantmaking. Explore their findings and recommendations to help us achieve our goal of all Oakland children reading at or above grade level by third grade.

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