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

Eight dancers, all wearing white garments, are moving on stage. They're holding sheets of fabric above their heads.
Rainin Foundation Awards $820,000 In Dance And Theater Grants

08/04/2026 | Arts Foundation News

The Foundation awarded $820,000 to 35 small and mid-sized arts organizations through its New and Experimental Works Program.

12 performers on an outdoor stage
Trans Arts Community Care Fund Distributes $350,000 To Bay Area Organizations

07/28/2026 | Arts Blog

The fund celebrates the trans arts community’s ongoing cultural contributions that define the Bay Area as one of the most vibrant, inclusive and artistically bold regions in the world.

illustration with diagonal swaths of blue and red. White stars are in the left corner over blue.
Standing Firm In Our Values As America Turns 250

06/24/2026 | Blog

We are using this historic moment to honor the generosity that has guided and shaped our nation, and recognize the vital role philanthropy and nonprofits play in building a more fair and just future.

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