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 Oakland schools and community-based organizations to develop the language, literacy and social emotional skills of children from birth to eight years old.

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 graphic featuring our new brand color palette that was updated for accessibility.
An Update On Our Accessibility Journey

09/16/2024 | Equity + Opportunity Foundation News

In the year since our website launched, we’ve continued to work with our partners to improve the accessibility of all our content.

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 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.