Education - Kenneth Rainin Foundation
Photo credit: Evan Blaser Photography / Lighthouse Community Public School

Education

The Rainin Foundation envisions a world where all Oakland children succeed regardless of their race, level of income or neighborhood. We focus on early childhood education because these years make a big difference in a child’s life.

Children learn at home, in the community and in the classroom. Empowering the adults who interact with them daily can help children be successful in school and in life. We ground our work in community wisdom, partnering with families, educators, community organizations and like-minded funders to unlock potential in Oakland’s youngest learners.

Education Program Snapshot

Education Grants

Education grants are by invitation only. Funding supports teachers and families to build relationships that develop children’s language, literacy and social emotional skills so they become confident and joyful learners!

Education News & Stories

Two people are seated and smiling facing the camera holding children's books and a tablet
Foundation Awards Nearly $8 Million In Education Grants

08/21/2024 | Education

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation awarded $7.8 million in Education grants in July to support Oakland’s early learning ecosystem.

An early education classroom where two adults are on a playmat with two young children. One adult is high-fiving one of the children.
Grant Opportunity For Early Language & Literacy Development

06/05/2024 | Education

Early Care Spaces will provide grants of up to $100,000 to support organizations promoting early language and literacy development for Oakland children from birth to five years old.

a smiling child points at a book that their teacher is holding open.
Foundation Awards Over $245,000 In Education Grants

05/21/2024 | Education

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation awarded over $245,000 in Education grants in April to support Oakland’s early learning ecosystem.