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 diversity, equity and inclusion in every aspect of our work—from who we hire and partner with to how we invest and carry out our grantmaking. 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

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Three Reasons To Attend Our 2025 Innovations Symposium

02/05/2025 | Blog

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

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.

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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.