Programs
The Foundation is centered around architectural education, a diverse and inclusive workforce, and building health communities. As such, we’ve established four areas of focus: Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion; Education; Architecture, Art, & Design; and Health & Wellness
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
We support causes, initiatives, and groups working to address unconscious bias, foster inclusiveness fundamentally, and reinforce social justice and equity across all elements of society.
Raising Visibility & Awareness
For two years running, the MG2 Foundation partnered with the City of Bellevue to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 2024 and 2025, resulting in an exhibit at Bellevue City Hall showcasing the artwork from 15 local artists. In 2026, the MG2 Foundation sponsored “Melodies of the Diaspora: Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month,” an art exhibition featuring the work of Black artists in the Pacific Northwest, also at Bellevue City Hall.
Education
Education is the gateway to personal and professional growth. It provides the strongest impact in supporting change and creates opportunities with life-long benefits. MG2 is focused on changing the representation of Black architects in our profession to combat an unrelenting and pervasive imbalance. In addition, the firm is extending its reach within architecture programs, HBCUs, and primary education.
Supporting the Next Generations
MG2 Foundation has established endowments and scholarships with Howard University, University of Washington, University of Oregon, and Washington State University in an effort to help students discover their passions and create a positive future for themselves and the world around them.
The University of Washington Endowment, in Memory of Gerald Vammen, was originally established by MG2 in 2003 to provide support for the Department of Architecture in the College of Architecture and Urban Planning. In 2013, the endowment was amended to provide financial assistance annually to an undergraduate or graduate student with preference given to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Joel Yamauchi Memorial Fund in Architecture, a University of Oregon Endowment, was established by MG2 in 2002. Joel Yamauchi was a former employee of MG2 who attended the UO with Jerry Lee. The fund helps to recruit, retain, and prepare graduate students in the Department of Architecture who are a part of underrepresented student populations. The endowment is used to fund one architectural design studio each academic year.
Our Howard University scholarship was established in 2020 and is awarded annually to a third- or fourth-year architecture student. Consideration for the scholarship is given to students who have overcome a challenging personal background or are members of the first generation of their family to attend college or university. An MG2 summer internship is also offered to this student for the summer prior to their final year.
The Washington State University Endowment was established in 2004 to support the School of Architecture in the College of Engineering and Architecture. Because a broad spectrum of experiences and ideas across different cultures and individuals encourages innovative design and architecture, the endowment was developed to help foster a diverse student environment, and scholarships are awarded annually to one or more deserving students.
Architecture, Art, & Design
MG2 Foundation is committed to shaping a healthy society by increasing access to EDI-linked artists and organizations.
Expanding the Impact of Design Thinking
MG2 Foundation continue to serve as strategic pillars of the Seattle Design Festival, leveraging the event to champion community engagement and social equity. Beyond financial sponsorship, the firm’s multidisciplinary teams design and execute immersive, large-scale installations—such as the acclaimed “Labyrinth”—that facilitate public dialogue on urban connectivity. The Foundation further utilizes this platform to host NOMA NW initiatives, fostering a diverse talent pipeline through youth mentorship. By integrating architectural excellence with philanthropic outreach, MG2 Foundation reinforces its leadership within the AIA Seattle community while advancing its mission to create inclusive, human-centric urban environments.
Health & Wellness
As good corporate citizens, we understand the need to give back to our communities. This caring nature is an essential fabric of MG2’s history and culture, which extends beyond traditional office walls.
Creating Healthier Communities
Swing for the Cure is MG2 Foundation’s annual charity golf tournament to support breast cancer research at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle. Initially a response to the loss of then-CEO Jerry Lee’s wife to breast cancer, it began in 2002 as a way for a close group of clients, colleagues and contractors to forge a path through their grief. Since then, it has grown into an event that enlists 50 volunteers and 144 golfers. The day is filled with friendly competition on the green followed by food, drink, and auctions. Some participants have been involved since the beginning, and the warmth and camaraderie are palpable.
The 2025 event raised $250,000 to support breast cancer research at Fred Hutch, bringing the total raised to over $2.5 million.
