Dear Foundation Colleagues, Community Partners, and Grantees,
The Rainwater Charitable Foundation is entering a period of change as we move into the next chapter of our work and grantmaking.
Following the death of Richard Rainwater’s brother and RCF trustee Walter Rainwater in May of this year, our board took time to reflect on the legacy that Richard and Walter built through the Foundation and how we can continue to honor that legacy as RCF evolves. That reflection has led us to consider not only the work we have supported and the impact it has had, but also where we can make space for new opportunities to extend that impact in the years ahead. As a result, we are making several changes to our strategy, the work we will support, and the team we need to carry it forward.
Our investments in children and family economic security will become part of a revised strategy, with overall funding in this historic focus area decreasing as the Foundation creates room to invest in new areas of giving.
Our commitment to medical research will continue, including our longstanding focus on finding treatments and cures for tauopathy-based neurodegenerative diseases. We will also dedicate a significant portion of our resources and efforts to exploring how artificial intelligence can accelerate scientific discovery.
These changes in our grantmaking also mean changes for our team. We will not backfill vacant positions, and we have made the difficult decision to eliminate the positions currently held by Carlo Capua and Sarah Cotton, effective August 18th and October 15th, respectively. Carlo and Sarah have both agreed to continue supporting RCF in a consultant capacity during this transition period. This fall you will continue to see them affiliated with RCF in support of our strategic shifts. If you have an open position that might be a fit for either of them, please reach out to them or to me to discuss. We have greatly appreciated their contributions to our team and know that our loss in this moment will soon be another organization’s gain.
I know this news will raise questions, particularly for organizations whose work has been closely connected to our existing grantmaking. We do not have every answer yet. Rather than wait until every detail is settled, I wanted to share what we know now and be clear about what you can expect from us in the months ahead. As decisions are finalized, we will update the RCF website with information about our grantmaking priorities and the funding opportunities associated with them. We expect to have full details about our 2027 grantmaking opportunities available by the end of the calendar year.
For everyone who has worked alongside us, invested your time and trust in this work, and allowed us to help shape positive change in our community with you, thank you. We recognize that organizational change creates uncertainty, particularly when it affects people and partnerships we value. We will do our best to communicate clearly as decisions are made and to approach this transition with the care our colleagues, grantees, and community partners deserve.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Smith