Our Work - Kenneth Rainin Foundation

Our Work

​​The Kenneth Rainin Foundation supports Bay Area artists, Oakland’s youngest learners and Inflammatory Bowel Disease research worldwide.

Interdependence, creativity and equity are at the heart of what we do. We embed principles of equity in every aspect of our work. Our core program grants support Bay Area artists to thrive, Oakland children to read and succeed, and innovative research to improve the lives of people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Funding Areas

The Foundation’s three giving areas are Arts, Education and Health. Explore our funding strategies and initiatives.

Arts

Our Arts Program supports diverse, visionary Bay Area artists working in dance, film, theater and public space.

Education

Our Education Program supports early childhood education to ensure that Oakland children have the literacy skills to communicate, learn and thrive by third grade.

Health

Our Health Program provides early support for innovative research ideas that can lead to improvements in preventing, diagnosing and treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

What We’re Learning

 The Kenneth Rainin Foundation reports on our progress and shares what we are learning so others can build on that knowledge and amplify its impact.

Foundation News & Stories

A microphone pictured in front of the American flag.
Condemning Political Violence And Defending Free Speech

09/24/2025 | Blog Foundation News

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation joined over 160 foundations across the country in signing a statement condemning acts of political violence, attempts to exploit that violence to mischaracterize the good work of philanthropy and attacks on our fundamental freedoms.

Shelley Trott smiling at the camera.
Protecting The Freedom To Give [Video]

09/10/2025 | Foundation News

In this time of great need, it is critical that nonprofits and foundations maintain the freedom to give without government interference. We invite funders to join the Unite in Advance coalition.

Carissa Ibert, Liz O’Malley and Patrick Taylor seated together, smiling at the camera.
Welcoming New Talent To The Rainin Foundation

08/26/2025 | Blog Foundation News

We are pleased to welcome Liz O’Malley, Director of Arts Strategy & Ventures; Patrick Taylor, Grants Manager; and Carissa Ibert, Grants Associate.

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