In order to create a high-performing middle school that prepares all students for success in high school, college and life it takes a community. We are the fundraising arm of that community.

WELCOME

Similar to a PTA/PTO at other schools, the McAuliffe at Smiley Foundation (MSF) is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organization that was established in 2012 with the mission to support McAuliffe’s amazing staff and students and fill gaps left by DPS funding.  

The purpose of MSF is to help address the funding gap between what the school district is able to provide and additional resources McAuliffe students need.

The Foundation works with the school administration to prioritize school needs, identify which essentials require additional fundraising, and then execute fundraising campaigns to address those needs.  All donations to the foundation are 100% tax-deductible.

Specifically, we need your help to:

  • Improve infrastructure for our 75+ year old building
  • Support our sports programs so athletes can build character and life-long memories
  • Assist students and their families with critical needs so they can focus on being students
  • Appreciate and support our amazing staff so they can continue to provide excellent education to our students
  • Provide educational trip scholarships, because lack of funds shouldn’t constrain students from getting a full McAuliffe educational experience.

What does the McAuliffe at Smiley Foundation do?

First and foremost, we exist to bridge the gap between DPS funding and what our students need. That takes many shapes as our students have so many different kinds of needs. But to name a few of the impacts that your funds have supported this past year:

  • This past school year, we provided school supplies and uniforms to over 117 students at the free store event in August
  • We waived school fees for those same families
  • We’ve provided weekend food bags to 25 families
  • At Thanksgiving we provided gift cards and a dessert item for 50 families
  • At Christmas we provided gift bags for 100 families
  • Our Critical Needs Coordinator has taken at least 20 students to the eye doctor for an exam and glasses
  • We have a stash of socks, underwear, belts, etc. to help any student that needs them
  • This year we haven’t had the need for emergency hotel rooms as of yet, but we often do that for eviction cases

We also help fund scholarships for students who deserve to go on an 8th grade trip but are not able to because of finances. This past year we helped 5 students with $2500 scholarships to make this happen!

We provide staff appreciation meals throughout the year including things like Einsteins catering during PD sessions at back to school, Esters for a staff holiday party and the Lowry Beer Garden for an end of the year staff party.

We help fund capital improvements on our campus including updating our grounds, adding the GaGa Ball Pit, new front doors, banners and branding throughout the school and creating a new promotional video to help show Denver more of what makes McAuliffe so special.

We throw a giant carnival for back to school locker set up day to be a welcoming and exciting first experience of middle school for incoming 6th graders. We also fund a special 8th grade continuation event to honor and celebrate our continuing students!

Thank you to all of our generous donors who make these opportunities possible! If you ever want to hear more details about how far your gifts go, please reach out to anyone on the foundation or attend our monthly meetings at 7:00pm every 2nd Tuesday of the month in the McAuliffe Library!

MSF Accomplishments

Since 2012, the McAuliffe at Smiley Foundation has accomplished multiple projects and building improvements to benefit our students including:

  • Ongoing funding for our Critical Needs Program, Service Learning Program, Student Travel Scholarships, and our Staff Appreciation Program.
  • Installation of water-bottle refill stations throughout the school.
  • The purchase of laptops for the Engineering Classrooms
  • The purchase of a new Digital Sound System for the Auditorium
  • Banners and wall graphics for school branding
  • Renovation of the 1st floor lockers
  • Updates to Choir/Theater Classroom
  • New kiln for the Art department

Fundraising for McAuliffe falls into the following 4 categories:

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

Bring the Smiley Campus up to current standards for a 21st century learning environment.

STUDENT SUPPORT 

Supplemental resources to provide disadvantaged students with what they need to be successful.

STAFF SUPPORT

Support faculty through recognition and workplace enhancements.

PROGRAM SPONSORSHIP 

Enable additional learning opportunities to expand student experiences.