Continuing its mission is to strengthen the educational, cultural, wellness, and athletic programs of the Mechanicsburg Area School District, The Wildcat Foundation is distributing more than $109,000 in grant funding for the 2026-27 academic year.
The educational foundation uses fundraising events and charitable contributions from individuals, groups, and businesses to raise funds each year for distribution in grants.
Key fundraising events include the Annual Golf Outing (recently held on July 31), an Annual Appeal taking place later this fall, and Wildcat Foundation Night, which is set for Feb. 19, 2027.
The foundation received grant applications for the 2026-27 school year in January. A committee of volunteers reviewed the applications and funding recommendations were presented to and approved by the Foundation Board of Directors and School Board of Directors in April.
Grants will be used throughout the 2026-27 school year in various programs.
Grant funding for previous academic years
The foundation is also approved by Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) as an Educational Improvement Organization (EIO). That means the foundation can accept Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donations to support approved programs.
Throughout the academic year, as funds are available and requests made, the foundation may provide additional support to any DCED/EITC approved program.
DCED/EITC approved programs include:
- Junior Achievement: BizTown and YES!
- Design 4 Change (D4C)
- Dual Enrollment
- Internships & CoOps
- STEAM MakerSpace & Soft Start Morning Activities (grades K-12)
- Media Production
- Model United Nations
- Technology Student Assoc. (TSA)
- Trails & Trees Environmental Center
