Message From Our CEO
When we wrote our 2019 Turning Points, we reflected on a different world. Now, we are all confronted by the economic and social effects of a global pandemic and the many inequities it has exposed. As we grapple with immense challenges—both shared and deeply personal—what has not changed for me is the need to listen. Listening has shaped our core values as a foundation.
The Kenneth Rainin Foundation has a clear mission and we all sense the urgency to act. That driving energy has allowed us to make bold, decisive moves over the years. Those moves have always been informed by listening to each other and to our stakeholders.
In 2019, the Rainin Foundation culminated our first ten years of formal grantmaking with forward-looking changes. We expanded leadership and improved systems to strengthen how we work with our grantees and partners. We also deepened our collective commitment to embedding diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our organization. How we engage with the world and with each other is important—especially now.
All of us at the Rainin Foundation are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, at every level of our organization. I’m proud of how we have responded collectively to this work with humility, courage and grace. This way of being is also at the heart of building collaborative relationships with our grantees and partners. And it’s essential to gathering the diverse ideas and knowledge we need to find equitable solutions.
Jennifer Rainin, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
It’s important for us to understand the lived experiences of people who are disproportionately impacted by the economic insecurity and health disparities of this crisis. Prioritizing and centering their needs will help us rebuild systems to create vibrant, resilient and equitable communities for the long term.
We know that bringing more minds with new ideas and different viewpoints is essential to solving problems that threaten our communities. It sets us up for breakthroughs and creates genuine opportunities for everyone in our communities to reach their full potential and thrive.
Listening to you will lead us to the best way forward. With you as our partners and co-creators, we can find our way together.
Jennifer Rainin, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
“We know that bringing more minds with new ideas and different viewpoints is essential to solving problems that threaten our communities.”
—Jennifer Rainin, PhD, Chief Executive Officer
Thank you, grantees and partners, for an exceptional year!