McKinney Education Foundation

“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.

-Dr. Ben Carson

Transformative Ways to Make a Difference with MEF

When you invest in MEF, your contribution not only transforms the futures of McKinney ISD students but also strengthens our entire community. Whether you are establishing an endowment to fund scholarships, classroom grants, or other educational initiatives, supporting MEF’s High School College Advisors, or sponsoring our annual fundraising event, your generosity fuels opportunity, empowers dreams, and fosters a more vibrant, educated workforce that benefits us all.

Giving For Scholarships

Giving For College Advisors

Option 1: Direct Scholarship Support – The Power to Change a Life

A scholarship is more than just financial aid—it is the catalyst that turns a dream into reality. For many McKinney ISD students, the cost of college or vocational training is the single greatest barrier to achieving their goals. MEF scholarships provide a lifeline, ensuring that financial limitations do not define a student’s future.

MEF currently awards on average over $500,000 in scholarships annually, with individual awards ranging from $500 to $50,000. However, the demand far exceeds available funding. Each year, nearly half of the seniors who apply for an MEF scholarship are left unfunded—not because they lack potential, but because resources simply do not stretch far enough.

Your investment in scholarships:
✅ Removes financial barriers that often force students to delay or forgo higher education
✅ Provides direct, immediate impact, ensuring students can enroll in college or vocational programs
✅ Strengthens our community, as scholarship recipients graduate, return, and contribute in meaningful ways

When you fund a scholarship, you’re not just giving money—you’re breaking cycles of financial hardship, unlocking potential, and launching futures. Your support helps to ensure that no deserving student has to walk away from their dreams simply because of cost.

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Option 2: High School College Advisors – The Highest ROI in Student Success

Navigating the path from high school to college or vocational training is overwhelming—especially for students who are the first in their family to take this step. That’s where MEF’s High School College Advisors make all the difference.

MEF funds three full-time college advisors, embedded in all three McKinney ISD high schools, who personally guide students and families through every step of the post-secondary journey. These experts help students:

✅ Explore their options—from four-year universities to community colleges and trade schools
✅ Complete critical applications—admissions, FAFSA, scholarships, and financial aid
✅ Maximize funding opportunities—each year, advisors help students secure an average of $25 million in external scholarships that are accepted
✅ Break down barriers—ensuring that every student, regardless of background or income, has a path to success

A Proven Investment in Student Achievement

Each year, MEF College Advisors directly impact thousands of students, helping them secure financial aid and scholarship opportunities that far exceed the cost of running the program. Without this guidance, many students—particularly those without family experience in higher education—would miss out on critical funding and opportunities.

While MEF College Advisors are essential, these services are not provided by McKinney ISD—meaning that without MEF, students would be left to navigate this complex process alone.

This program is often considered an "operating expense," but in reality, it is the single most impactful investment in student success—helping thousands secure financial aid, gain admissions, and confidently step into their future.

Your support ensures that every student has an expert advocate, a roadmap, and the confidence to move beyond high school toward a bright future.

Will you be the one to pave the way for their success?

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Giving For Classroom Grants

Giving For Professional Development Grants

Option 3: Classroom Grants – Empowering Teachers, Transforming Student Learning

A great education starts in the classroom, and MEF’s Classroom Grants for Teachers and Staff provide the resources to turn innovative ideas into reality. These grants fund projects that go beyond the standard school budget, bringing hands-on, engaging learning experiences to students of all ages. From STEM initiatives and podcasting labs to art programs and advanced coding tools, these grants ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and accelerate student achievement.

The impact is undeniable. Struggling readers catch up, students discover a passion for science and math, and entire classrooms benefit from tools and technology that would otherwise be out of reach. Teachers often report that these grants reignite their passion for teaching, giving them the freedom to implement new strategies that make learning more dynamic and effective.

Every dollar invested in Classroom Grants has a lasting ripple effect, impacting students year after year. This program ensures that teachers have what they need to inspire, and students have what they need to succeed.

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Option 4: Professional Development Grants – Investing in Educators, Elevating Education

Great teachers create great students, and MEF’s Professional Development Grants ensure that McKinney ISD educators have access to advanced training, certifications, and learning opportunities that elevate their teaching skills. These grants allow teachers to stay at the forefront of education, bringing back new strategies, cutting-edge techniques, and best practices that benefit students across all grade levels.

From national education conferences to specialized training in STEM, literacy, and social-emotional learning, these grants empower teachers to continue growing in their profession. The return on investment is clear: when educators thrive, students excel.

By supporting Professional Development Grants, you’re not just investing in one teacher—you’re investing in every student that teacher will impact throughout their career.

Together, let’s build a McKinney where every student has the opportunity to excel and every educator is empowered to inspire.

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Giving For Endowments

Purses With Purpose Giving

Option 5: Endow a Legacy of Impact – Transform Lives for Generations

True transformation happens when great programs are not just funded for today but secured for the future. By endowing one of MEF’s high-impact initiatives, you ensure that students, teachers, and schools will benefit for generations to come—creating a legacy of opportunity, innovation, and success.

Imagine the impact:

  • A High School College Advisor Endowment would guarantee that McKinney students always have expert guidance in navigating college admissions and scholarships, securing millions in funding every year—far beyond what any one-time gift could achieve.
  • A Scholarship Endowment would ensure that more students can afford college or vocational training, breaking financial barriers and opening doors to life-changing careers.
  • A Classroom Grant Endowment would fuel creativity and hands-on learning, giving teachers the freedom to innovate and inspire—year after year.
  • A Professional Development Endowment would empower educators to stay at the forefront of their field, bringing back new strategies and cutting-edge techniques that benefit countless students.

Endowing one of these programs means that your impact never ends—it multiplies. Every year, your gift will continue to shape lives, ensuring that McKinney students and teachers have the resources they need not just today, but forever.

By making this powerful commitment, you become a permanent part of the MEF legacy, fueling education, dreams, and success for years to come. Your investment today becomes the foundation for tomorrow’s brightest futures, strengthening the fabric of our McKinney community. As our students achieve more, our city thrives—economically, culturally, and socially.

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Option 6: Sponsor McKinney’s Most Anticipated Event – Purses with Purpose 2025

Get ready for the most exciting night in McKinney!

Join us in making a lasting impact by sponsoring MEF’s annual—and only—fundraising event, Purses with Purpose, presented by SouthState Bank (formerly Independent Financial), on October 22, 2025, at the McKinney Sheraton Hotel.

This high-energy, wildly fun event, co-hosted by McKinney Mayor George Fuller and former McKinney ISD Superintendent, is the must-attend night of the year—and it sells out fast! Guests will enjoy:

  • Live & silent auctions featuring exclusive, one-of-a-kind items
  • Chance drawings for luxury designer handbags (because who doesn’t love a stunning purse?)
  • A high-energy wine pull that keeps the excitement flowing
  • McKinney’s Top Model competition, presented by CBTx—a showstopping highlight of the night!

With SouthState Bank (formerly Independent Financial) as our $35,000 Title Sponsor, we offer additional sponsorship opportunities from $5,000 to $25,000—each packed with premium exposure and exclusive perks.

By sponsoring Purses with Purpose, you’re not just part of an incredible evening—you’re powering MEF’s mission to provide scholarships, High School College Advisors, classroom grants, and professional development for educators. Plus, you’ll gain valuable visibility for your organization while showing your commitment to McKinney’s future.

Every dollar you invest builds dreams, changes lives, and empowers futures. So, let’s raise a glass, raise some funds, and make an impact—together!

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