Who Are We

WHO IS MERCER ISLAND ROTARY?

Mercer Island is one of 36K Clubs worldwide.

Simply put, we are active stewards of our community – locally and globally:For Mercer Island Rotary this has meant a global commitment to peace, housing & food security; parks & environment and youth & education. The Rotary Club of Mercer Island:

  • Promotes peace through various peace focused projects
  • Offers scholarships to high school seniors on Mercer Island
  • Provides food and other items for those in need
  • Helps sponsor and fund parks in the Mercer Island community and provide ongoing stewardship
  • Supports local regenerative food practices and environmental sustainability
  • Sponsors projects in multiple countries

These projects and others are the result of the passions and effort of Mercer Island Rotarians. We are colleagues and friends connected by the strong desire of Service Above Self. We lead hands on service projects and fundraisers to support local organizations working on housing & food security; and lead and sponsor both local projects and projects around the world with both financial help and direct hands on support. The real work of the club is done by volunteering with others with a shared passion to improve lives here and abroad. If you’re looking to be part of group that has the resources to make the world and our city a better place and has fun doing it, then come visit us.We are always looking for new members who believe in Service Above Self. Join us!

WHO IS ROTARY INTERNATIONAL?

Rotary International is the world’s largest service organization with over 1.4million members

Our differing occupations, cultures, and countries give us a unique perspective. Our shared passion for service helps us accomplish the remarkable.What makes us different? Our distinct point of view and approach gives us unique advantages:

  • We see differently: Our multidisciplinary perspective helps us see challenges in unique ways.
  • We think differently: We apply leadership and expertise to social issues—and find unique solutions.
  • We act responsibly: Our passion and perseverance create lasting change.
  • We make a difference at home and around the world: Our members can be found in your community and across the globe.

Our impact starts with our members—people who work tirelessly with their clubs to solve some of our communities’ toughest challenges.We work with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and national governments toward our top goals of eradicating polio worldwide.We also focus our time, energy and efforts on service projects encompassing:

  • Peace building and conflict prevention
  • Basic education and literacy
  • Disease prevention and treatment
  • Water, sanitation, and hygiene
  • Community economic development
  • Maternal and child health
  • Supporting environment

We’ve been making history and bringing our world closer together for over 100 years. There are more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. With you, we can accomplish even more.Learn more at www.rotary.org, People of Action Video and Rotary Basics (pdf file), 2023 ThemeAnnual Report

The Foundation of the Rotary Club of Mercer Island

The Foundation of the Rotary Club of Mercer Island (FRCMI) is the Club’s charitable arm. FRCMI actively fundraises through community events, sponsorships and individual giving to support local and international projects with grant funding.

Who Are WeOn June 28, 1978 the Rotary Club of Mercer Island formed a non-profit entity called the Foundation of the Mercer Island Rotary Club. It is informally known as the Mercer Island Rotary Foundation or MIRF. Since its inception, MIRFhas donated over $2.4 million dollars to over 900 projects locally and internationally through its 501(c)3.

The MIRF grant funds are raised from Rotarians, sponsors and community donors:

  • Annual All Island Dance Event&
  • Peace Pole Sponsorship
  • President’s Circle Leadership Giving

Who We ServeOur club is an active service organization, and our members are engaged in many different types of projects as a club, specifically in the areas of food and housing security, youth and education and parks and environment. What having a separate foundation enables us to do is to fund grant requests our local grants and awards committee or our international committee receive from other 501C3’s and fund those grants that align with our missions, thus enabling us to have an even larger impact.

Invitation to apply for grantsIf you represent a 501c3 or know of one with a meaningful service project that aligns with our 3 critical areas of service:1. Youth and Education2. Food and Housing Insecurity3. Parks and Environment

We would welcome your grant submittal. Just complete this form below and submit it to: Vyvienne Stumbles, who is the International Grants Chair, her email address is: [email protected] or Trina Westerlund, who is the Local Grants and Awards Chair, her email address is [email protected];