Programs
MG2 Foundation is centered around architectural education, a diverse and inclusive workforce, and building healthy 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, and reinforce social justice and equity across all elements of society.
Raising Visibility & Awareness
For two years running, in 2024 and 2025, MG2 Foundation partnered with the City of Bellevue to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, resulting in an exhibit at Bellevue City Hall showcasing the artwork from 15 local artists. In 2026, 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 Foundation is focused on changing the representation of Black architects in our profession to combat an unrelenting and pervasive imbalance. In addition, the Foundation is extending its reach within architecture programs, HBCUs, and primary education.
Supporting the Next Generations
MG2 Foundation has established endowments and scholarships with 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.
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 continues to serve as a strategic pillar 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 Foundation’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.
