A Community that Values & Supports Our Nonprofits.
“No other organization funds such a broad range of charitable causes so close to home! ”
Through the generosity of the citizens of Mercer Island, MICF has been able to provide many well-deserving organizations with meaningful grants every year. Without these grants, many of our favorite events and programs would be limited or not available at all.
The Mercer Island Community Fund (MICF) is a 501(c)3 organization (within the meaning and limitations of Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended). MICF considers applications from organizations that benefit the Mercer Island community in the following categories:
Arts and Culture
Environment and Conservation
Community Development
Recreation
Social Service
Health
Education
Priority for funding will be granted to programs that serve the needs of the Mercer Island community at large. Grants are not made for religious purposes, political purposes or to projects that discriminate against any protected class as defined in RCW 49.60.180.
Applications for grants should be submitted by February 23, 2024 to be considered for April award distributions. Grants generally range from $500-$5,500. The Grants Committee and the Board of Directors meet annually in March to consider grant applications, so timely applications are appreciated. Late applications received no later than March 1st will likely still be considered for April funding. Applications received after March 1st will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and may require special Board approval for funding which often lengthens the review/approval/funding process considerably.
Grants from MICF may be used to match or supplement other grants. MICF will consider supplemental funding to established organizations for special projects not funded by other sources. Initial funding assistance for new organizations and projects will also be considered.
The MICF bylaws require that the recipient acknowledge a grant with a receipt and written account to how the funds were expended, including an evaluation or measurement of the impact of the grant. A written financial and progress report must be made semi-annually until the grant is expended. Renewal of funding is contingent upon progress and final reports for each grant period.
2 steps to apply
Check the Grant Requirements
In order to apply, applicants must follow the grant requirements below to complete the required Grant Application.
Funds must be used for the purpose stated in the applications. Any changes in the scope of the project must be approved by MICF.
Recognition of the MICF’s grant must be made in all advertising and publicity related to the activity for which the grant was made and must be displayed or announced during the program event.
If, for any reason, the funded project does not proceed within 60 days of the initial date communicated in the grant application, all funds must be returned to MICF unless otherwise expressly agreed by MICF.
A written comprehensive report on the funded activity must be submitted to MICF within 30 days of the completion of the project. Grantees are required to complete the Grantee Final Financial Report Form with their written report.
Complete the Application Form
Apply now by clicking on the large button below
Are you are Current Grant Recipient? Access your Final Report Form Here:
Grantee Final Financial Report Form (post-project completion)
2023 GRANT RECIPIENTS
Thanks to our generous donors, in 2023 the Mercer Island Community Fund awarded $59,600 in grants to help support the following organizations and programs that will directly benefit the Mercer Island community:
Athletes for Kids
City of Mercer Island - Mostly Music in the Park
City of Mercer Island - Summer Celebration
City of Mercer Island - Leap for Green, Earth Day Fair
Friendship Circle of Washington
Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club - Summer Lego and BriqMotion camps
Mercer Island Farmers Market
Mercer Island Historical Society
Mercer Island Youth & Family Services - Summer Camp Scholarships
MIHS Band Boosters - New Uniforms
MIHS Drama Boosters - Shakespeare in Love
MIHS Football Boosters - New MIHS Weight Room
Northwest Parkinson's Foundation
Seattle Jewish Community Center Film Festival
Seattle Shakespeare Co. - Summer Shakespeare in the Park
Youth Theater Northwest
Past Grant Recipients
Supporting Local Organizations Year-Round
Since 1985, the Mercer Island Community Fund, through the generosity of the citizens of Mercer Island, has provided hundreds of grants over the years to enrich the quality of life for all our community.
By awarding these grants, MICF strives to respond to the changing needs of the Mercer Island Community.
Grants have included:
annual sponsorships of Island events, such as Youth Theatre Northwest productions, Mostly Music in the Park, MI Special Olympics and Summer Celebration.
start-up funds to island-based public charities such as Friendship Circle, IMS Spanish program, Neighbors in Motion, Booster Clubs and the Farmers Market
well-established programs in times of need, such as the annual City of Mercer Island fireworks presentation in 2011, Youth & Family Services, NW Parkinson’s Foundation, MIVAL and the Fire Department CPR program.
and, even during a pandemic, a platform to immediately raise funds for both the non-profit organizations and small businesses, with the WeLoveMI Covid-19 Relief Campaign
