A Community that Values & Supports Our Nonprofits.

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 for community initiatives, community events and community spaces that enhance the social, cultural and recreational quality of life for all Islanders.

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 21, 2025 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

1. 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.

2. 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)

2024 GRANT RECIPIENTS

Thanks to our generous donors, in 2024 the Mercer Island Community Fund awarded $41,400 in grants to help support the following organizations and programs that will directly benefit the Mercer Island community:

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 Artwalk

Mercer Island Farmers Market

MI Preschool Association - Circus

MIVAL - Kids Art Table at Summer Celebration

MIHS Drama Boosters - 2024 Fall Musical

Mosaic MI

Seattle Jewish Community Center Film Festival

Seattle Shakespeare Co. - Summer Shakespeare in the Park

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

See the List of Past Recipients +