ABOUT THE MIPC FOUNDATION
Stewardship That Endures....
Thank you to all those from MIPC who came before us, planting seeds to nourish us by growing our church home and by growing our outward mission to nourish those in need. Looking ahead to future generations and considering what seeds you want to plant, we hope you will consider a gift to the Foundation.
What is the Foundation?
The Foundation is the endowment arm of Mercer Island Presbyterian Church (MIPC). It has 2 separate funds: the “Partnership Fund” and the “Operations Fund”*.
The Partnership Fund: This Fund was established in 1991 to expand and enrich MIPC’s work with nonprofit organizations and to further the Church's calling to live out God's love in the world. As of January 2026, this Fund was valued at over $1,000,000. From this Fund, 3.5% of the Fund’s value each year is typically distributed to MIPC’s Local/Global Partnerships Committee (Missions) to ensure MIPC’s local and global partners receive MIPC’s ongoing financial support in fulfillment of Christ’s calling to serve others. Click here for more information about our charitable partners and how they are serving our world (insert link to “Partnership Fund” page.)
The Operations Fund: In 2025, in response to requests by members of the Congregation to have a fund to ensure and safeguard MIPC’s long-term financial health, the Operations Fund was created. This Fund supports MIPC’s annual operating budget. When the Fund reaches a balance of $300,000 or more, annual distributions of approximately 3.5% of the Fund’s value will be made in support of MIPC’s operating budget. Beginning in 2026, the Foundation Committee will initiate a campaign to increase awareness of this Fund and to seek gifts via lifetime planning and estate planning. Imagine... $1,000,000 in assets would generate $35,000 per year to support MIPC and $3,000,000 in assets would generate $105,000 per year! These distributions can help MIPC during economic downturns and provide it with greater financial stability for future generations. Click here for more information about the “Operations Fund”
(insert link to “Operations Fund” page)
*If a “Fund” designation is not made, the gift will be allocated to the Partnership Fund.
Why Give to The Foundation?
We are taught that giving is a response to God’s generosity. It’s an expression of joy and gratitude for God’s goodness – like the gift of the woman who demonstrated her gratitude to Jesus by anointing His feet with a jar of costly ointment (Luke 7:47). We believe that God gives us many gifts. We are thankful and strive to grow from these gifts. And, by sharing them, we grow God’s love into the world. Giving can be small. We know that small gifts can, collectively, have a significant impact on the world.
For the MIPC Foundation, your gift has an enduring impact on MIPC. How? Your gift is invested, and, typically, the principal is never spent, only the income. This income provides a source of consistent annual funding for the Partnership and/or Operations Fund... for generations! These gifts help our church and our charitable partners survive economic downturns, to have financial stability, and to reduce reliance on unpredictable fundraising. It is Stewardship that endures, helping keep MIPC and its missions alive for the next generations, just as we have benefited from the generations before us.
From a taxation perspective, there are many benefits to charitable giving, and MIPC’s Foundation is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. So, depending on your personal circumstances, your gifts may result in tax savings.
How to Give to The Foundation?
The following information is an overview of commonly used estate planning and lifetime giving strategies. Gifts can take careful planning, so before making a gift, we encourage you to seek the independent counsel of professional estate planning advisors.
A) Cash gifts
B) Gifts via a Will, Trust or Beneficiary Designation:
You can name a specific gift amount or a percentage of your estate in your Will or Trust for the benefit of the Foundation. Or, you can name the Foundation as a beneficiary of all or a portion of your IRA, 401k or other retirement plan, or of an Annuity and/or Life Insurance Policy.
a. Gifts through a will, trust or beneficiary designation will reduce the value of your taxable estate, potentially lowering or eliminating estate taxes for your heirs.
b. To identify the MIPC Foundation in your Will, Trust or Retirement Account, the following language can be used: “Mercer Island Presbyterian Church Foundation, (then specify if you want your gift to go the Partnership Fund or the Operations Fund*), 3605 – 84th Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040. The Tax ID #is 91-0681103.”
C) Lifetime Gifts:
A lifetime gift can allow you to deduct the value of your contribution from your adjusted gross income (AGI), which may reduce your overall tax liability. This is generally available if you itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040).
Strategies and other benefits include:
a. Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD/IRA Rollover): If you are 70½ or older, you can transfer up to $111,000 (as of January 2026) annually directly from your IRA to your church tax-free, which can satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).
b. Appreciated Securities (Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds): Donating stocks held for more than one year can allow you to avoid capital gains taxes on the appreciation while claiming a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the donated securities.
c. Real Estate: A gift of real estate can remove highly appreciated assets from your taxable estate, avoiding or reducing future estate taxes, and providing a potentially significant charitable income tax deduction.
To make a lifetime gift to the MIPC Foundation, the following language can be used: Mercer Island Presbyterian Church Foundation, (then specify if you want your gift to go the Partnership Fund or the Operations Fund*), 3605 – 84th Ave. SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040. The Tax ID # is 91-0681103.
*Without such a designation, your gift will be allocated to the Partnership Fund.
How are the MIPC Foundation Assets Managed?
The Foundation Committee has engaged an independent professional investment advisor to invest the funds using a balanced approach (consistent with endowment funds of this nature). Almost half of these funds are invested in entities with strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, with an aim for both financial returns and addressing societal challenges.
Who are The Foundation Committee Member?
The Foundation Committee is comprised of MIPC members along with representation from pastoral leadership. Members are selected by the nominating committee annually as vacancies occur. Current members are Pastor Lindsay Murphy, Keri Ellison, Stuart Scarff, Emily Mills, Ben Beaudoin and Session Member, Brian Decker.
How to Get Started?
If you have an interest in donating, you can call MIPC’s Director of Finance, Jamie Nakamoto at (206) 232-5595 or email her at Jamien@MIPC.org. She would be happy to answer questions and assist as she is able. Or, you can contact any member of the Foundation Committee listed above. They would also be happy to be of assistance.
Click here to download a printable information packet about the MIPC Foundation (not
completed yet)
Thank you to all current and past donors and supporters of the MIPC Foundation. Your contributions continue to make a difference!