A Message From Our CEO And Executive Director
As we reflect on the past year, we are inspired by the immense dedication, resilience and creativity of the communities we serve. In 2024, the Kenneth Rainin Foundation marked 15 years of formal grantmaking in the Arts, Education and Health. This milestone was an opportunity to honor the essential lessons that have shaped our journey toward a world where all Oakland children read at or above grade level, no one suffers from Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Bay Area artists thrive.
To commemorate the anniversary, we awarded grants that invested in the well-being of education and arts leaders and catalyzed the next generation of innovative researchers. In August, we established a new leadership structure as CEO and Executive Director, designed to strengthen the foundation of our organization. Sharing this joint message reflects our work together, as long-time partners in the Foundation’s evolution. Staying grounded in our values—interdependence, creativity and equity—and being intentional about the how of doing our work is fundamental to making progress. Central to our leadership and the Foundation’s work is a commitment to listening and learning with openness and candor.
Jennifer Rainin, PhD, CEO, and Shelley Trott, Executive Director. Photo credit: Mitch Tobias
Everything about this organization has grown from conversations rooted in accountability to those most impacted. This ethos grew naturally from how our founder, Ken Rainin, listened and innovated in his business. And now, our philanthropy is explicitly committed to trust-based practices that center the wisdom, voices and self-defined needs of our communities. We are expanding these practices to be more responsive to and deepen relationships with our grantees. We also signed on to the Disability & Philanthropy Forum’s Disability Inclusion Pledge to take meaningful actions to support the disability community and to give everyone the chance to engage and participate equally.
“Focusing on our values and the how of doing our work is fundamental to what we’re trying to accomplish.”
Being present to what’s happening on the ground and in the field of philanthropy has allowed us to strategically adapt and respond. Recognizing the enormous challenges and uncertainty that await us, we will continue to be flexible and nimble. Our 15-year history has proven that partnerships built on shared values and trust will endure and thrive and we celebrate that collective power. We will keep showing up to support those we serve, and seek collaborative, creative solutions that push toward a fair and just future for all.
We are steadfast in our commitment to all of you. And we are grateful for your partnership on the path ahead.
Jennifer Rainin, PhD Shelley Trott
Chief Executive Officer Executive Director
Thank you grantees and partners—your dedication is what makes lasting change possible.