Kenneth Rainin Foundation
@krfoundation.org
The Kenneth Rainin Foundation enhances quality of life by championing the arts, promoting early childhood literacy, and supporting research to cure chronic disease.
https://krfoundation.org
https://krfoundation.org
Nicole Kendrick (right) served as our Education Program Officer since 2023 and is moving on to her next endeavor where she will continue to advance meaningful change. While at the Foundation, Nicole led the development of our Early Care Spaces grant program and co-created the Rest and Care Awards.
January 14, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Nicole Kendrick (right) served as our Education Program Officer since 2023 and is moving on to her next endeavor where she will continue to advance meaningful change. While at the Foundation, Nicole led the development of our Early Care Spaces grant program and co-created the Rest and Care Awards.
We’re thrilled to support another round of artist-led projects that bring powerful, community-centered work to public spaces and spark authentic connection between residents and our region’s unique cultural identities and practices.
Foundation Awards $834,000 For Temporary Public Art - Kenneth Rainin Foundation
The Kenneth Rainin Foundation awarded $834,000 in temporary public art grants in November through its Open Spaces Program.
krfoundation.org
January 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM
We’re thrilled to support another round of artist-led projects that bring powerful, community-centered work to public spaces and spark authentic connection between residents and our region’s unique cultural identities and practices.
We awarded $999,391 in grants in November to ensure that Oakland’s youngest learners have access to culturally connected literacy & translanguaging practices, which support all children to engage in learning by using all the languages & dialects they know.
Foundation Awards Nearly $1 Million To Advance Early Literacy In Oakland - Kenneth Rainin Foundation
The Rainin Foundation awarded $999,391 in grants to ensure that Oakland’s youngest learners have access to culturally connected literacy.
krfoundation.org
January 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM
We awarded $999,391 in grants in November to ensure that Oakland’s youngest learners have access to culturally connected literacy & translanguaging practices, which support all children to engage in learning by using all the languages & dialects they know.
2023 Rainin Arts Fellow Mohammad Gorjestani’s 1-800 Happy Birthday project comes to Oakland during Black History Month. This large-scale exhibition honors Black and Brown victims of police violence and systemic racism, using audio, video, mural and personal ephemera to tell their stories.
$1M secured for Mohammad Gorjestani’s 1-800 Happy Birthday Project
WORTHLESSSTUDIOS + Even/Odd & Campaign Zero announce that the organization has secured $1M in funds
fadmagazine.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:15 PM
2023 Rainin Arts Fellow Mohammad Gorjestani’s 1-800 Happy Birthday project comes to Oakland during Black History Month. This large-scale exhibition honors Black and Brown victims of police violence and systemic racism, using audio, video, mural and personal ephemera to tell their stories.
In 2025, we were inspired by how our communities showed up and cared for one another. Two of our top blogs centered around facing the challenges of the year and offering resources to support nonprofits. We look forward to continuing our important work together in 2026.
Protecting The Freedom To Give
While philanthropy might not be visible to everybody, it likely touches every child and every family in some way in America. This video talks about how foundations…
vimeo.com
January 1, 2026 at 5:03 PM
In 2025, we were inspired by how our communities showed up and cared for one another. Two of our top blogs centered around facing the challenges of the year and offering resources to support nonprofits. We look forward to continuing our important work together in 2026.
We support innovative ideas that have the potential to improve the prediction, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of IBD. We’re proud to fund out-of-the-box thinking like Dr. Othmans and Dr. Jackson’s that can enhance the quality of life for IBD patients.
From Lab to Lifesaver: How Dr. Rahmeh Othman’s Optogenetic Innovations Redefine Neuro-Immune Control of Inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammation wages a fierce battle deep within the human gut, a vital shield in rare instances, but a devastating force in most. For decades, IBD has remained medicine’s most baffling adversa…
tribuneonlineng.com
December 23, 2025 at 5:01 PM
We support innovative ideas that have the potential to improve the prediction, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of IBD. We’re proud to fund out-of-the-box thinking like Dr. Othmans and Dr. Jackson’s that can enhance the quality of life for IBD patients.
“This work matters. My wish for you is to reconnect with your ‘why’ & to share it with one another. It’s what binds us in our shared purpose.” —Dana Cilono
We were honored to gather with our Education grantees to celebrate their continued work to improve early literacy in Oakland.
📸: Mitch Tobias
We were honored to gather with our Education grantees to celebrate their continued work to improve early literacy in Oakland.
📸: Mitch Tobias
December 22, 2025 at 5:02 PM
“This work matters. My wish for you is to reconnect with your ‘why’ & to share it with one another. It’s what binds us in our shared purpose.” —Dana Cilono
We were honored to gather with our Education grantees to celebrate their continued work to improve early literacy in Oakland.
📸: Mitch Tobias
We were honored to gather with our Education grantees to celebrate their continued work to improve early literacy in Oakland.
📸: Mitch Tobias
Our Innovations Symposium returns to San Francisco on July 19-21, 2026. This annual gathering brings together researchers, trainees and clinicians from around the world to advance IBD research.
Check out who will be speaking and register for the event: krfoundation.org/innovations-...
Check out who will be speaking and register for the event: krfoundation.org/innovations-...
December 18, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Our Innovations Symposium returns to San Francisco on July 19-21, 2026. This annual gathering brings together researchers, trainees and clinicians from around the world to advance IBD research.
Check out who will be speaking and register for the event: krfoundation.org/innovations-...
Check out who will be speaking and register for the event: krfoundation.org/innovations-...
Former Innovator Awards grantee, Shruti Naik, and Aaron F. Mertz recently published “Beyond the lab: trust, storytelling and the fight for America’s attention.” Read how scientists can help rebuild public trust in science by stepping out of the lab and engaging directly with communities.
Beyond the lab: trust, storytelling and the fight for America’s attention - Nature Reviews Immunology
Shruti Naik, an immunologist and a strong advocate for diversity in science, has joined forces with Aaron Mertz, who leads programmes that help to explain, connect and maximize the benefits of…
www.nature.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Former Innovator Awards grantee, Shruti Naik, and Aaron F. Mertz recently published “Beyond the lab: trust, storytelling and the fight for America’s attention.” Read how scientists can help rebuild public trust in science by stepping out of the lab and engaging directly with communities.
Congratulations to Edgar Rosales, a Courage Project honoree for his leadership at Long Beach City College & commitment to empowering unhoused & low-income students. We’re proud to support The Courage Project, which honors those who demonstrate extraordinary courage & compassion in their communities.
LBCC Student Receives National Award for Empowering and Transforming His Community - Long Beach City College
Long Beach City College Student Edgar Rosales Honored Nationally for Transformative Advocacy on Campus and in the Long Beach Community
www.lbcc.edu
December 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Congratulations to Edgar Rosales, a Courage Project honoree for his leadership at Long Beach City College & commitment to empowering unhoused & low-income students. We’re proud to support The Courage Project, which honors those who demonstrate extraordinary courage & compassion in their communities.
As this year comes to a close, we reflect on the power of community and the importance of rest and care. All of us at the Kenneth Rainin Foundation wish you a restorative and joyful holiday season and all the best in the new year. Our offices will be closed December 24-January 2.
December 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM
As this year comes to a close, we reflect on the power of community and the importance of rest and care. All of us at the Kenneth Rainin Foundation wish you a restorative and joyful holiday season and all the best in the new year. Our offices will be closed December 24-January 2.
Congratulations to the 17 SFFILM Rainin Grant and three SFFILM Rainin Filmmakers with Disabilities Grant recipients! Check out the latest list of filmmaking projects that we’re thrilled to support.
2025 Filmmaking Grantees Announced - Kenneth Rainin Foundation
SFFILM announced the recipients of the 2025 SFFILM Rainin Grant and the 2025 SFFILM Rainin Filmmakers with Disabilities Grant.
krfoundation.org
December 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Congratulations to the 17 SFFILM Rainin Grant and three SFFILM Rainin Filmmakers with Disabilities Grant recipients! Check out the latest list of filmmaking projects that we’re thrilled to support.
Don’t miss Obsidienne Obsurd’s one-night only performance tonight. “The Last 7 Days of Obsidienne Obsurd” delves into their gender transition, the related mental health and financial challenges and family dynamics. We’re proud to support this project through our New & Experimental Works Program.
An avant-garde drag show is coming to Oakland for one night only
“The Last 7 Days of Obsidienne Obsurd” fuses a personal story of gender transition with classical music, intricate costumes, visuals, dance and music.
oaklandside.org
December 5, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Don’t miss Obsidienne Obsurd’s one-night only performance tonight. “The Last 7 Days of Obsidienne Obsurd” delves into their gender transition, the related mental health and financial challenges and family dynamics. We’re proud to support this project through our New & Experimental Works Program.
The SFFILM Festival returns April 23-May 4, 2026. Interested in submitting your film for consideration? The final deadline to submit narrative, documentary and animated features, youth works, and mid-length narrative, documentary and animated films is coming up on December 10.
69th San Francisco International Film Festival - SFFILM
SAVE THE DATE! The 2026 SFFILM Festival returns April 23–May 3. Click here to learn more and sign up for dates. See you at the movies!
sffilm.org
December 3, 2025 at 5:03 PM
The SFFILM Festival returns April 23-May 4, 2026. Interested in submitting your film for consideration? The final deadline to submit narrative, documentary and animated features, youth works, and mid-length narrative, documentary and animated films is coming up on December 10.
Looking to get creative with your little one? Visit the Lakeview Branch of Oakland Public Library December 3, 10 and 17 to paint. Your child’s work will be exhibited as part of their Winter Solstice Youth Art Show, which will be up from January 2-March 6.
Winter Solstice Youth Art Show
‘Tis the season to get creative! Join us at the Lakeview branch to work on your very own masterpiece! Come in and paint with us Wednesday Dec. 3rd, 10th and 17th from 2-3pm.Your work will be…
oaklandlibrary.bibliocommons.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Looking to get creative with your little one? Visit the Lakeview Branch of Oakland Public Library December 3, 10 and 17 to paint. Your child’s work will be exhibited as part of their Winter Solstice Youth Art Show, which will be up from January 2-March 6.
Download @crohnscolitisfdn.bsky.social's “Real Life With IBD Guide” to explore real-world perspectives, tips on navigating daily challenges & gut-friendly recipes. We’re proud to support researchers working to improve the prediction, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this complex disease.
Crohn's & Colitis Awareness Week
See what IBD really looks like this Awareness Week. Explore gut-friendly recipes, stories, and resources for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org
December 1, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Download @crohnscolitisfdn.bsky.social's “Real Life With IBD Guide” to explore real-world perspectives, tips on navigating daily challenges & gut-friendly recipes. We’re proud to support researchers working to improve the prediction, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this complex disease.
Our friends at Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation are working alongside organizations like Alameda County Community Food Bank and Community Kitchens to help feed families. Double your impact this holiday season as they will match every dollar you give, up to $500K: give.eatlearnplay.org/campaign/740...
Ayesha Curry: Help Feed Oakland Families Today | Eat. Learn. Play.
Too many families in Oakland and across Alameda County are struggling to put food on the table. Nearly 40 percent rely on food assistance, and recent cuts and rising costs are making it even harder…
youtu.be
November 27, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Our friends at Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation are working alongside organizations like Alameda County Community Food Bank and Community Kitchens to help feed families. Double your impact this holiday season as they will match every dollar you give, up to $500K: give.eatlearnplay.org/campaign/740...
Sustainable Economies Law Center, Vital Arts and Movement Law are hosting their last Artist Legal Cafe of the year on December 4. A 30-minute "nano-training" will be followed by a one-on-one sessions with a lawyer to get answers to your questions about entity formation, contracts, governance & more.
November 26, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Sustainable Economies Law Center, Vital Arts and Movement Law are hosting their last Artist Legal Cafe of the year on December 4. A 30-minute "nano-training" will be followed by a one-on-one sessions with a lawyer to get answers to your questions about entity formation, contracts, governance & more.
Downtowns look different in the post-pandemic era, and Denver is responding creatively, turning vacant office space into long-term opportunities for the arts. Drawing on lessons from the Bay Area, @castsf.bsky.social is helping artists & developers shape an equitable future through shared interests.
Denver’s Downtown at a Crossroads - CAST - Community Arts Stabilization Trust
A look at the transformation of downtown Denver, where post-pandemic vacancies are creating a rare opening for creative reuse.
cast-sf.org
November 25, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Downtowns look different in the post-pandemic era, and Denver is responding creatively, turning vacant office space into long-term opportunities for the arts. Drawing on lessons from the Bay Area, @castsf.bsky.social is helping artists & developers shape an equitable future through shared interests.
We were honored to support 20 early-career travel awards for @keystonesymposia.bsky.social's 2025 conference season. Scholarships and financial aid applications are now open for their 2026 events. Learn more and share this opportunity with scientists in your network.
Celebrating Excellence: Scholarships & Global Travel Award Winners in the 2025 Conference Season
Scholarships and Global Health Travel Awards for Keystone Symposia conferences enable students, post-docs, early-career investigators and scientists from LMICs to attend conferences for unique…
keypoint.keystonesymposia.org
November 20, 2025 at 5:03 PM
We were honored to support 20 early-career travel awards for @keystonesymposia.bsky.social's 2025 conference season. Scholarships and financial aid applications are now open for their 2026 events. Learn more and share this opportunity with scientists in your network.
A group of our staff recently volunteered with Community Kitchens. We helped prepare ~400 sandwiches and potato salad sides for Oaklanders. With the uncertainty around SNAP benefits and the rising cost of living, orgs that are working to feed our community members are more important than ever.
November 18, 2025 at 5:03 PM
A group of our staff recently volunteered with Community Kitchens. We helped prepare ~400 sandwiches and potato salad sides for Oaklanders. With the uncertainty around SNAP benefits and the rising cost of living, orgs that are working to feed our community members are more important than ever.
Alice was instrumental to our work supporting filmmakers with disabilities as a founding member of SFFILM’s Disability Advisory Board. She was an incredible force of nature as an artist and a disability right activist and will be deeply missed.
Alice Wong, Writer and Relentless Advocate for Disability Rights, Dies at 51
Born with muscular dystrophy, she received a MacArthur “Genius” grant in 2024 for her decades of calling attention to the need for equal rights for disabled people.
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Alice was instrumental to our work supporting filmmakers with disabilities as a founding member of SFFILM’s Disability Advisory Board. She was an incredible force of nature as an artist and a disability right activist and will be deeply missed.
Catch Xochipilli Dance Company’s “VÍNCULO NAHUAL” Nov 21-23 at Dance Mission Theater. This work, supported by our NEW Program, is a dance performance that expresses the culture of shamanic animal shapeshifting abilities with Mexican Indigenous roots.
Xochipilli Dance Company presents "VINCULO NAHUAL"
Get ready to dive into a mystical journey of dance and culture with Xochipilli Dance Company's "VINCULO NAHUAL."
www.eventbrite.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Catch Xochipilli Dance Company’s “VÍNCULO NAHUAL” Nov 21-23 at Dance Mission Theater. This work, supported by our NEW Program, is a dance performance that expresses the culture of shamanic animal shapeshifting abilities with Mexican Indigenous roots.
November is Native American Heritage Month. This Sunday, November 16, Oakland Museum of California is screening a film that highlights the work of Yurok firelighters to reclaim and pass on traditional eco-cultural knowledge, and meditates on the power of fire to heal land and communities.
Spotlight Sundays: Cultural Fire Storytelling and Film Screening - Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)
Please join us for an afternoon of storytelling centering Native fire practices from four visionary Native Californian memory keepers. The program will begin with a film screening of Fire Tender,…
museumca.org
November 12, 2025 at 5:04 PM
November is Native American Heritage Month. This Sunday, November 16, Oakland Museum of California is screening a film that highlights the work of Yurok firelighters to reclaim and pass on traditional eco-cultural knowledge, and meditates on the power of fire to heal land and communities.
Join The Teaching Well for “Gathering Gratitude: A Circle of Thanks” on November 18. This free wellness workshop offers a chance to slow down, share stories, recognize small joys and discover how gratitude helps us meet uncertainty with strength.
Microdose of Wellness: Gathering Gratitude - A Circle of Thanks
Decompress and indulge in self care with the TTW!
www.eventbrite.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Join The Teaching Well for “Gathering Gratitude: A Circle of Thanks” on November 18. This free wellness workshop offers a chance to slow down, share stories, recognize small joys and discover how gratitude helps us meet uncertainty with strength.