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.

smiling adult leans over a long table filled with books to help a child. In the background young children stand with tote bags.
Aligning Oakland’s Literacy Ecosystem

11/16/2023 | Education

The Oakland Literacy Coalition reflects on their newly refreshed three-year strategy in this guest blog.

Against a gray background a person with chest length black and gray hair smiles toward the camera. She is wearing a black cardigan and white dress.
A Conversation With Board Member Moy Eng

11/08/2023 | Foundation News

Moy Eng joined our Board of Directors in 2021. As CEO emeritus at Community Arts Stabilization Trust, a Rainin Foundation Arts grantee, Moy adds a unique perspective to the Board.

Collage of headshots of the 2023 SFFILM Rainin Grant Finalists.
2023 Filmmaking Finalists Announced

10/24/2023 | Arts

Twenty eight filmmaking teams have been shortlisted to receive funding and professional support for their narrative feature film projects.

a group of 16 people, many holding paper certificates and smiling under an arc of balloons
Families Need Champions And Co-Conspirators

10/04/2023 | Education

Families in Action focuses on multiple levers for change—building community, individual coaching, education campaigns and their signature leadership institutes.

three people sit closely on a couch smiling and looking toward camera
Rainin Foundation Welcomes New Staff  

09/27/2023 | Foundation News

Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Williams, Arts Program Officer; Nicole Kendrick, Education Program Officer; and Jazmyne Woffard-Jones, Administrative Coordinator.

Six people are seated on a stage looking toward a person in the middle of them who is smiling and holding a microphone.
Coming Together Energizes Our 2023 Innovations Symposium

09/12/2023 | Health

The Rainin Foundation’s Innovations Symposium brought together scientific minds from around the world to promote cutting-edge thinking about Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

two children wearing red plastic fire helmets face a lime green flatbed truck and a large digital screen of someone talking. A third child holds a sippy cup while climbing on the truck's bed.
A Public Art Project Brings Oakland Neighbors Together, One Story At A Time [VIDEO]

08/24/2023 | Arts

Three neighbors who connected through “Commons Archive” reflect on the public art project and the neighborhood they call home.

A parent watches as an educator works with two young children sitting at a shared desk.
Foundation Awards Over $3.7 Million To Advance Literacy

08/22/2023 | Education

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation awarded over $3.7 million in Education grants to advance equitable literacy solutions in Oakland.

Dancer waves long, wide ribbons of red, yellow and green sheer fabric in front of a large tree that is also wrapped in the same fabrics.. A group of drummers wearing blue and white are seated on the right, looking toward the drummer.
Symposium Reflections: Communal Healing Through Public Art [VIDEO]

08/01/2023 | Arts

We invited OMCA’s Rhonda Pagnozzi, who programmed the 2023 Exploring Public Art Practices Symposium, to share her thoughts and reflections.

Dark blue graphic with colorful icons intersecting that represent sound, wheelchair use, sight, search, digital connection and a computer.
Creating An Accessible Website

07/25/2023 | Equity + Opportunity Foundation News

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation’s newly designed website marks an important milestone in our commitment to equity and access in our communications.

Person with very short, darker hair stands with hands in their pant pockets against a gray photo backdrop
A Conversation With Board Member Dash Patterson

07/24/2023 | Foundation News

Dashiell (Dash) Patterson joined our Board in 2021. As a recent college graduate, he adds a new generation of the Rainin family to the Foundation.

Two dancers stand connected on a patch of dirt. Both wear black leather pants and mesh tops. Their black boots kick up dust as they move on the ground.
Apply For A Theater Or Dance Grant Using The New Common App 

07/19/2023 | Arts

Small and mid-size arts organizations can use the new Common App for the Arts to apply to our NEW Program from September 4-18, 2023

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