Our Mission
The mission of the Atkinson Foundation is to provide opportunities for individuals in San Mateo County to attain their highest potential in areas of educational, social, and economic life, to assist their efforts to become independent and self-sufficient, and to generally improve the quality of their lives.
Foundation History
George H. Atkinson (1905 – 1978) and his wife, Mildred M. Atkinson (1904 – 1967), believed in helping individuals and families achieve independent and rewarding lives. In 1939 they initiated the tradition of thoughtful philanthropy that is carried on by the Atkinson Foundation today.
The Atkinsons traveled extensively on trips related to his position as President and Co-Founder of the Guy F. Atkinson Company, an international construction and engineering firm. This fostered an interest in the welfare of local communities worldwide. Simultaneously, they raised a family and provided dedicated leadership, on both a national and local level, to their church, schools and community agencies.
As times, conditions and needs evolve, the Atkinson Foundation Board of Directors is dedicated to maintaining creative continuity with the values of its founders. It is with gratitude to them that we commemorate over 75 years of philanthropy, and look to the future.
Financials
Atkinson Foundation Staff
Evan Jones
Program Officer II
ejones@pfs-llc.net
(415) 561-6540 ext. 259
As a Program Officer, Evan believes in the impact and promise of the social sector and the people who make that promise a reality.
Prior to joining PFS, Evan served as the Executive Director of the Mid-Peninsula Boys & Girls Club (MPBGC) (now part of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula) where he helped expand MPBGC’s impact and footprint in San Mateo County. He has worked in Bay Area nonprofits since 2009 and was one of the first youth developers at Opportunity Impact (now part of Mo Magic) in San Francisco’s Fillmore neighborhood. Evan has advised Bay Area nonprofits as a board member and consultant serving on the boards of Facing History & Ourselves, Bay Area as well as the Avery Fuller Welch Foundation for Children and is a Silicon Valley Multicultural Awards fellow.
After receiving his A.B. in history from Dartmouth College, Evan taught high school History and English in the Boston Area. He attended Georgetown Law School where he worked on the Annual Review of Criminal Procedure and as an intern for the Honorable Robert Merin of the DC. Superior Court as well as Earth Justice in San Francisco. Evan lives in San Francisco’s Visitation Valley neighborhood where he can be found enjoying McLeran Park or working on his San Francisco native plant garden. Evan is a native of Washington D.C and hopes to see the day that D.C. has equal representation in the House and Senate.
Rachel Murch Watters
Grants Manager
rmurchwatters@pfs-llc.net
(415) 561-6540 ext. 284
Rachel has supported Atkinson Foundation since August 2023, when she joined Pacific Foundation Services as Grants Manager. In her role, she helps ensure a smooth process for nonprofit applicants and grantees. Rachel previously worked in nonprofit fundraising. This sparked a desire to become involved in grantmaking and encourage trust-based philanthropy principles.
Rachel earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from California State University Sacramento. Forever learning, she continues her education through industry specific trainings and courses. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time in her mini-orchard (28 fruit trees and counting!), renovating her first home, and catching as many live music shows as time will allow.
Avani Patel
Senior Philanthropic Advisor
apatel@pfs-llc.net
(415) 561-6540 ext. 231
Avani has served as Senior Philanthropic Advisor for Atkinson Foundation since late 2021, when she joined Pacific Foundation Services (PFS), the Foundation’s philanthropic support service provider.
Prior to joining PFS, Avani consulted with education, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations supporting executive leadership through change management, DEI efforts, program development & evaluation, and capital campaigns. Avani started her career in philanthropy at the Peery Foundation and eventually served as the organization’s co-CEO, overseeing all operations and giving. An educator by training, she taught middle school in East Palo Alto and east San Jose, and eventually moved into school and district administration.
Avani holds a BA in African & African American Studies and Sociology from UC Davis and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from SF State. She is a Bay Area native who loves spending time outside and globe trotting with her husband.
Rachel Murch Watters
Grants Manager
rmurchwatters@pfs-llc.net
(415) 561-6540 ext. 284
Rachel has supported Atkinson Foundation since August 2023, when she joined Pacific Foundation Services as Grants Manager. In her role, she helps ensure a smooth process for nonprofit applicants and grantees. Rachel previously worked in nonprofit fundraising. This sparked a desire to become involved in grantmaking and encourage trust-based philanthropy principles.
Rachel earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from California State University Sacramento. Forever learning, she continues her education through industry specific trainings and courses. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time in her mini-orchard (28 fruit trees and counting!), renovating her first home, and catching as many live music shows as time will allow.