When was the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation formed and what is its purpose?
In 1992, the Michigan Pharmacists Association established the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF) as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. The mission of the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation is to advance pharmacy, pharmacy education and research, and to promote pharmacy practice to the highest level of patient care.

The Foundation was established for the primary purpose of advancing the practice of pharmacy through pharmacy education, practice innovation and research—all focused on pharmaceutical care for the improvement and promotion of public health and public education. The eventual goal of the Foundation is to utilize the interest and investment funds to support special pharmacy projects throughout the state.

Who is responsible for the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation?
The Foundation is directed and governed by a Board of Trustees whose members are leaders in Michigan pharmacy. The Board of Trustees is responsible for directing the fundraising activities, project funding and other programs of the Foundation. The members of the Board of Trustees for 2007 are:

Andrew Young, Chairman
Brian Baars, Kentwood
Sandra Chase, Ada
William Drake, Cottrellville
Stephen Durst, Portage
Terry Ensign, Battle Creek
Charles Hastings, 2007 MPA President, Grand Isle
Mary Ianni, Ann Arbor
G. Richard Krieger, Livonia
James Richards, Ann Arbor
Jo Ann Sanborn, Hudson
Michael Sanborn, Hudson
Wyn Wendelken, Treasurer, Plymouth
Larry Wagenknecht, Secretary, Haslett

Are contributions to the Foundation tax deductible?
Yes, all gifts and donations to the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation by individuals or corporations are tax deductible under IRS rules and regulations. One hundred percent of all contributions to the Foundation are used for these identified goals and objectives.

What levels of giving are available?
The Foundation is willing to accept all levels of giving—from $1 to amounts much greater. All contributions will be recognized with a special memento and listing in the Foundation Directory of Gifting. Contributions are cumulative, thus enabling one to achieve an even higher level of gifting over time. Giving to the Foundation provides the opportunity to advance pharmacy in Michigan in many ways which are beyond the scope of an association such as the Michigan Pharmacists Association.

To recognize the different levels of giving to advance Michigan pharmacy, the Foundation has established the following Clubs:

Founders Club
Individuals who donate $1,000 in a single contribution will be recorded as a charter member of the Foundation. (Enrollment is limited to 100 members.)

Diamond Mortar & Pestle Club
Cumulative donation of $10,000 or more

Platinum Mortar & Pestle Club
Cumulative donation of $5,000-$9,999

Gold Mortar & Pestle Club
Cumulative donation of $1,000-$4,999

Silver Mortar & Pestle Club
Cumulative donation of $500-$999

Bronze Mortar & Pestle Club
Cumulative donation of $100-$499

Contributor's Club
Donation of $99 or less

How do I contribute to the Foundation?
Anyone can contribute to the Foundation in an effort to advance the practice of pharmacy. Monetary gifts can be mailed to the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation, 815 North Washington Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906. Gifts other than money should be coordinated with the Foundation office. To obtain more information on giving to the Foundation, contact La Vone Swanson at (517) 377-0231.

Can contributions be something other than money?
Yes. The Foundation is able to accept nonmonetary assets as gifts. These types of gifts include individual stocks, bonds, property, etc. The Foundation will normally sell the gift and retain the funds to advance the purpose of the Foundation. The individual donating the gift is able to take a tax-deductible deduction on their income tax.

Why would an individual contribute something other than money?
In some situations, the contributor to the Foundation will not incur the capital gains. Under the current IRS rules and regulations, individuals who sell an asset (such as stocks or property) are required to pay capital gains tax on the increased value of the asset. In some situations, depending on the amount of time the asset has been owned, the capital gains tax can be significant. A fully tax deductible contribution to the Foundation allows the individual to take full credit for the gift without incurring the capital gains. Thus, the contributor maximizes his or her contribution and the Foundation is able to take advantage of the full contribution.

Will the Foundation accept a memorial gift?
Absolutely. A gift to the Foundation is an excellent method to recognize a fellow pharmacist for the contributions he or she has provided to the profession. The donation will be recognized in the Foundation Directory of Gifting in memorial of the individual you identify.

Is the Foundation interested in being included in my will?
Yes. Individuals should consult their estate planner about setting up the Foundation as a benefactor of a portion of your estate. There are a variety of ways to fund a contribution to the Foundation as a part of your estate. To learn of more options of how this can be accomplished, contact the Foundation at (517) 377-0231.

To what type of programs/studies does the Foundation contribute?
The Foundation contributes to innovative projects and programs that advance the profession of pharmacy. The Foundation has contributed or committed funds toward support of the MPA Compliance and Persistency Study, the MPA Pharmaceutical Care Implementation Project, the Detroit Asthma Coalition, a disease state management project with the Michigan Emergency Prescription Program for Seniors, an asthma project in Grand Rapids, the MPA Pharmaceutical Care Initiatives Grant Program, and an anticoagulation training program in Midland. Funding for a project currently in progress, entitled "The Establishment of a New Pharmacy Practitioner Mentoring Program in Pharmaceutical Care Services Development," was jointly submitted by the Oakland County Pharmacists Association and Wayne State University. Additionally, MPF awards funding to two students at each of the Michigan colleges of pharmacy so that they can attend the APhA Political Leadership Breakfast at APhA's annual meeting.

How should I request support from the Foundation for a project?
MPA members requesting support from the Foundation to fund a project or study should submit a funding request to the Foundation. Additional requests may come from MPA's practice sections, the Consultant Pharmacists Society of Michigan (CPSM), the Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists (MSCP) or the Michigan Society of Health System Pharmacists (MSHP). The request should include specific objectives, background and significance, project design and methods, a timetable, key personnel, other support and a project budget. Grant request deadlines are Jan. 1 and July 1 of each year.

Who do I contact to obtain more information about the Foundation?
Individuals interested in contributing gifts or obtaining more information about the Foundation should contact Executive Administrator Dianne Miller at (517) 377-0223.