Press Release: Invested Faith Awards 15th Class of Fellows
For immediate release: 5-28-2025
Invested Faith Awards 15th Class of Fellows
Washington, DC: In less than 4 years, Invested Faith has awarded 72 Fellowships to faith-rooted social entrepreneurs including a newly selected 15th class of Fellows. These social innovators are working to address systemic issues of injustice in their communities while building sustainable financial models. The Fellowship includes an unrestricted grant, an invitation to tell their story through the Invested Faith community, and the opportunity to join the Invested Faith RESOURCED program, a peer support network of Fellows across the U.S.
Invested Faith Fellows are working in 24 states and the District of Columbia. The first class of Fellows was awarded in July of 2021.
Invested Faith Founder Rev. Dr. Amy K. Butler notes: “I’ve long believed social enterprise is fertile ground for faith community and future church. I never imagined that a network of Fellows this large would now stretch across the country, meeting urgent needs in communities deeply impacted by this political moment. The work of these Fellows and all our Fellows gives me hope for a world where we love our neighbors like God loves us.”
The following individuals were selected as Invested Faith Fellows in April of 2025:
Harvey Chun
Harvey Chun
Aloha Community Shed
Honolulu, Hawai’i
The mission of the Aloha Community Shed is to encourage healthy physical, social and mental opportunities for senior men and women to share friendships, experiences and projects with pride, dignity and Aloha in a welcoming environment for the benefit of members and community. The Aloha Community Shed builds projects for the local community, such as raised garden planters and benches, and also sells artisan items in pop-ups and craft fairs. Harvey Chun is a Director of the Aloha Community Shed and has been a member for over 4 years.
Lauren Efird
Lauren Efird
The Carr Center
Cary, NC
The Carr Center is a mixed-use development on church-owned land with the purpose of addressing multiple community issues, including affordable housing and child care. Spearheaded by Rev. Lauren Efird, the Carr Center will provide 51 units of affordable housing to lower income households as well as 11 units of program housing for working families experiencing homelessness. Non-profit offices, YMCA programming and early childhood education will also be on site.
Carl Johnson
Carl Johnson
Storehouse Grocers
East St. Paul, MN
Storehouse Grocers and Coffee is a worker-owned cooperative committed to revolutionizing the retail and coffee industries through a focus on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community empowerment. By prioritizing zero-waste coffee consumption, fair trade consumer practices, and locally sourced products, Storehouse Grocers and Coffee aims to create a positive impact on both the environment and the communities it serves, with a particular focus on addressing the needs of BIPOC communities and combating food insecurity.
Brad Onishi
Brad Onishi
Axis Mundi Media
San Francisco, CA
Through creative storytelling, in-depth research, and interviews, Axis Mundi Media creates and distributes media resources that educate clergy, journalists, elected officials, professors, teachers, and the lay public about the ways religious nationalism, authoritarian movements, and extremist communities threaten democracy. Created by Dr. Bradley Onishi, co-host of the Straight White American Jesus podcast, Axis Mundi is designed to offer an alternative to right wing media education outlets which spread misinformation and inaccurate, biased history.
Erica Williams
Erica Williams Simon
Mamas in Waiting
Cary, NC
Mamas In Waiting exists to meet the needs of women of color who have experienced infertility, pregnancy loss and other challenges on their path to motherhood, no matter where they may be on their journey. Founded by narrative strategist, author, and podcast host Erica Williams Simon, Mamas in Waiting offers retreats, virtual workshops, community, and resources ranging from emergency support grants to direct access to trusted mental health professionals.
About Invested Faith: Invested Faith is a fund for faith-rooted social innovators founded by Rev. Dr. Amy Butler in 2019 in response to declining church attendance and the need for a new model of philanthropy. Invested Faith is a bridge between traditional churches and social innovators who are creating new expressions of faith and community.
For additional information and photos, visit the Press Center at Invested Faith.
Media Contact:
Anita Flowers, Coordinator
investedfaith.org/press-center
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