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Boosting community on Mercer Island can be THIS easy!

Mercer Island Community Fund grants support Island events and programs

By Mercer Island Community Fund • November 19, 2018 6:00 am
Projects like this soccer shelter, under which members of the Islanders girls soccer team are sitting, have been funded in the community through the Mercer Island Community Fund. The fund is accepting donations now to be put toward 2019 projects.
Projects like this soccer shelter, under which members of the Islanders girls soccer team are sitting, have been funded in the community through the Mercer Island Community Fund. The fund is accepting donations now to be put toward 2019 projects.

In your travels around Mercer Island, you’ve likely attended the Summer Celebration or Mercer Island Farmer’s Market or the Leap for Green Fair. Or perhaps you’ve taken in a performance of either Shakespeare or Mostly Music in the park or Youth Theatre Northwest.

What do all these popular events have in common? Mercer Island Community Fund grants crucial funding annually to each, using donation money received by community members like you.

The Mercer Island Community Fund was established by Lola Deane and others in 1985 using seed money from an auction held during the the city’s 25th anniversary “Mercerversary” celebrations. Monies donated today are managed and invested through the Seattle Foundation.

Since it’s establishment, the Mercer Island Community Fund has provided grants that enrich the community for people of all ages.

“We’ve awarded almost $80,000 in grants in the past two years,” notes foundation President Erin Krawiec.

Depending on the scope of the project, awards typically range from $500 to $5,000. However, MICF will provide special grants to fund larger projects. Those have included the Island Crest Park Renovation Project ($12,000 toward new lights and artificial turf), $10,000 for a new rain shelter for the Girls and Boys Soccer Clubs, and $4,310 for equipment for the Friendship Circle of Washington, a volunteer-driven recreational program for children with special needs.

Like an insurance policy for your donation

If you want your charitable donations to stay home on Mercer Island, the Community Fund offers a simple option to achieve your goal. “This is a way that you can make one donation and we do the rest for you,” Krawiec says. “We are stewards of your donation. We do our due diligence and make sure the money goes to well-run non-profit organizations in our community.”

Grant applicants are vetted every year to ensure they and their projects meet the objectives of the Community Fund, and stringent follow-up ensures the money was spent appropriately.

Did you know? Fast Facts about the Mercer Island Community Fund:

  • Donations received by the end of the calendar year will be used for grants in 2019, and because it is a 501(c)(3) organization , donations are tax deductible! Donations can be made at micommunityfund.org/donate.
  • Any non-profit that benefits the Mercer Island community can apply for grant funding
  • 2019 grant applications are due by Feb. 15
  • If you’re a Mercer Island senior looking to create a future endowment for a community group, the Community Fund can help facilitate your wishes

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To find out more about the fund, visit micommunityfund.org online or email info@micommunityfund.org.

Boosting community on Mercer Island can be THIS easy!

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