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.
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.
Financials
Atkinson Foundation Staff
Avani Patel
Senior Program Officer
Avani has served Senior Program Officer for Atkinson Foundation since late 2021, when she joined Pacific Foundation Services, the Foundation’s philanthropic support service provider. She enjoys working in collaboration with client foundations that work in service to nonprofits and she is excited by the many opportunities ahead to embrace a more equitable lens in philanthropy.
Prior to joining PFS and working with the Atkinson Foundation, 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 joined as its second full-time hire. She 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. She helped advance equity in education by successfully advocating to redraw equitable district boundaries, changing the process for math placement in high schools, and authoring equity reports.
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 fiancé.
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 at The Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), an established animal welfare organization in Walnut Creek, where she primarily planned fundraising events. While events were on hold due to COVID, she had the opportunity to work in other areas of fundraising, including grant administration. 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. Most recently, she completed the New Grantmakers Institute hosted by Northern California Grantmakers. 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 Program Officer
apatel@pfs-llc.net
(415) 561-6540 ext. 231
Avani has served Senior Program Officer for Atkinson Foundation since late 2021, when she joined Pacific Foundation Services, the Foundation’s philanthropic support service provider. She enjoys working in collaboration with client foundations that work in service to nonprofits and she is excited by the many opportunities ahead to embrace a more equitable lens in philanthropy.
Prior to joining PFS and working with the Atkinson Foundation, 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 joined as its second full-time hire. She 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. She helped advance equity in education by successfully advocating to redraw equitable district boundaries, changing the process for math placement in high schools, and authoring equity reports.
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 fiancé.
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 at The Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), an established animal welfare organization in Walnut Creek, where she primarily planned fundraising events. While events were on hold due to COVID, she had the opportunity to work in other areas of fundraising, including grant administration. 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. Most recently, she completed the New Grantmakers Institute hosted by Northern California Grantmakers. 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.