MICF has a long history of caring.
In 1985, Lola Deane, a member of Mercer Island’s 25th Anniversary Committee, proposed a Community Foundation be established to fund worthwhile programs and projects for the community.
As part of the “Mercerversary” celebration, proceeds from an auction provided the seed money for MICF. Over 35 years later, and nearly a million dollars raised, the tradition continues. Islanders are investing in a healthy and vibrant community to improve the quality of life for all who live and work on Mercer Island.
“The fund was established to meet a need - we’re the catalysts, we help things along.”
“The strength and health of any community is measured by how well its people care for each other. ”
Meet Our Board
Our all-volunteer board raises funds each fall from generous Mercer Island residents and offers careful stewardship of the fund that is invested at the Seattle Foundation. And every year, we solicit and review grant applications and award grants that benefit the MI community in the arts, environment, community development, recreation, social services, education and health. We also lead and support various community building projects.
All of our board members are Mercer Island residents with an interest in making the community a better place to live. Community members interested in joining the MICF board should email info@micommunityfund.org for more information.
Jackie Brown
Board President; Grants Committee; Finance Committee; Planning and Development Committee
Tara Koehler
Board Secretary; Grants Committee
Rachel (Qian) Yu
Board Treasurer; Finance Committee Chair; Grants Committee
Barbara Potashnick
Board Vice President;
Brad Newcomer
Grants Committee Chair; Finance Committee
Sharon Perez
Planning and Development Committee
Carolyn Balousek
Nominating Committee Chair
Sophy Yang
Grants Committee; Nominating Committee
In 2021, we formed the MICF Student Board, which offers high school students multiple opportunities to serve the community including helping with fundraising, grant making, communications and community outreach. High school students interested in joining the MICF Student Board: click here and complete this Google Form and an MICF representative will reach out to you.