Impact Makers

Partners in Justice, Compassion, and Change

At the heart of the Episcopal Impact Fund are our Impact Makers—a diverse community of individuals and organizations united by a shared commitment to justice, compassion, and opportunity for all. These Impact Makers fall into three powerful categories: grantee organizations, donors, and volunteers. Each plays a vital role in transforming lives across the Bay Area.

Grantee Organizations

Our grantee partners are on the frontlines of change. These community-based nonprofits work tirelessly to address the root causes of poverty, promote equity, and uplift vulnerable populations. From housing and education to mental health and food security, they bring innovative, localized solutions that create lasting impact. With support from Episcopal Impact Fund, these organizations expand their reach, deepen their services, and amplify their voices in pursuit of dignity for all.

Donors

Donors are the foundation of our mission. With generosity and vision, they invest in the future of our communities—empowering grassroots leaders and ensuring critical services reach those who need them most. Whether through one-time gifts or ongoing support, our donors embody a spirit of stewardship in collective action. Their commitment enables Episcopal Impact Fund to grow our reach and respond swiftly to emerging needs with compassion and effectiveness.

Volunteers

Our volunteers are the hands and hearts of our work. They give their time, energy, and expertise to further our mission in countless ways—from serving on grant committees and organizing community events to providing hands-on support to our partners. Volunteers bring a personal passion for justice and connection, making a tangible difference and inspiring others to get involved.

Together, these Impact Makers form a powerful network of hope, healing, and transformation. They are proof that when we work together—guided by faith and fueled by purpose—we can build a more just and compassionate world.

The Hockins

Giving Time, Talent, and Treasure

John and Lisa Hockin live their values quietly but powerfully, showing up year after year with generosity, compassion, and a deep love for their community. Their connection to Episcopal Impact Fund reflects a shared belief that opportunity is meant to be shared. As longtime donors, volunteers, and leaders, they see this work not just as giving, but as a way to support families, nurture children, and build lasting hope.

Michelle Gillern

A Tradition of Generosity

Generosity, for Michelle, is a lifelong practice rooted in justice, community, and shared responsibility—values passed down from her parents and intentionally shared with her children. More than one-time acts, it’s an ethic of care guiding her life. Her relationship with Episcopal Impact Fund deepens this commitment, helping direct her giving where it can have the greatest, lasting impact.

Brian Ian Day

Service Meets Belonging

For Brian, volunteering isn’t just about showing up—it’s about standing alongside neighbors and building something meaningful together. Through Episcopal Impact Fund, he’s seen how shared action creates real connection, turning good intentions into tangible support. Volunteering reminds us we’re not meant to do this work alone; it’s how community is built—with open hands, open hearts, and a commitment to a more just Bay Area.

The Brennans

The Joy of Giving with Purpose

Guided by the belief that those who have enough should share with those who don’t, Jean and John Brennan have made generosity a core family value—one that led them to the Episcopal Impact Fund decades ago. Drawn to its mission to address poverty and housing insecurity, they became dedicated donors and advocates, attending events like the Night of Light Gala and championing the Fund’s work. As founding volunteers of Christ Church Alameda’s Winter Shelter and Shower programs, they helped create safe, dignified spaces for unhoused neighbors—efforts now supported by the Impact Fund. For the Brennans, philanthropy is not just about giving, but about purpose-driven partnerships that foster lasting change.

Royah Thomas

Generosity Multiplied

Royah Thomas volunteers with the Episcopal Impact Fund because she’s passionate about supporting overlooked causes and seeing funding go where it’s needed most. From assembling backpacks to serving meals, she witnesses the mission in action. Her impact is amplified through Dolby’s matching program, Dolby Cares, turning her volunteer time into additional support and proving how much more is possible when we work together.

Mariko Kawaguchi

Showing Up Is Everything

Guided by the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, or “repair of the world,” Mariko Kawaguchi dedicates time each week to helping those in need—from the unhoused to survivors of trafficking and vulnerable children. Through Episcopal Impact Fund, she found new ways to give back, serving meals at City Hope and providing handmade blankets to children leaving shelters. For Mariko, making a difference isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about showing up with consistency and compassion, one day at a time.