In 1998, the Wildcat Foundation was established in response to the needs and goals defined in Mechanicsburg Area School District’s (MASD) comprehensive plan. The Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3), k-12 public education foundation for purely charitable purposes. The volunteer board of directors convened its first meeting in early 1999 with the guiding principle, “to enhance the educational, cultural, social, and athletic development of the students of the Mechanicsburg Area School District.”

The Foundation works to provide grant funds and support for innovative education programs that do not fall within the district’s traditional budget or curriculum. Our grant budget is funded through charitable donations, special events, and fundraising activities including: an annual golf outing and Wildcat Foundation Night. The Wildcat Foundation also receives business donations through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. The Foundation is approved as an EITC/Educational Improvement Organization (EIO).

Funds are distributed annually through a competitive grant process; MASD teachers, advisors, coaches, clubs, and organizations, may apply for funding. The Foundation strives to fund projects that have the greatest impact on district students and families.

While the Foundation’s core services have changed little, the mission has developed over the years, and during the 2016 annual retreat, the then-governing board of directors formally adopted this statement:

“To strengthen the educational, cultural, wellness, and athletic programs of the Mechanicsburg Area School District (MASD).”

As the Foundation continued to evolve and mature, a task force was formed to develop a Vision Statement and Core Values; these were first presented at the 2018 annual retreat and reviewed, edited and adopted in November of that year.

Vision Statement: Engage the community and provide innovative solutions to realize the full potential of every student.

Core Values: Diversity. Engagement. Excellence. Innovation. Integrity.