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 doctor with a young patient in a health care setting.
United In Support Of Nonprofits’ Access to Insurance

09/15/2026 | Blog

Nine prominent foundations have joined together to provide $25 million in support of Nonprofits Insurance Alliance, which serves more than 25,000 nonprofits across the country.

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.

Photo includes an individual head shot on the left of a young woman with dark brown eyes who is smiling and has long, dark hair dressed in a black top, pictured with a head shot of young man with blue eyes on the right who is smiling and has short, dark blonde hair wearing a blazer and a white shirt.
Team Members Promoted To New Roles 

06/03/2026 | Blog Foundation News

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation is pleased to announce the promotions of Megan De Trane and Tavin Jensen to newly created roles.

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