Springfield Public Schools Foundation

02/16/2026

The Springfield Public Schools Foundation supports teachers and schools in many ways by investing in innovative projects that empower students and elevate learning across District 186. One powerful example is Voices of Our Generation, led by Franklin Middle School teacher Ms. Angie Nesbit.

With the help of a Foundation grant, Ms. Nesbit’s students launched the school’s first-ever podcast. Through this experience, Ms. Nesbit shared, “Students have grown in their confidence in areas of planning, speaking and researching. They have taken on so many roles to make our class a success.”

To support more projects like Ms. Nesbit’s and help educators across District 186 bring innovative ideas to life, join us at the Foundation’s Annual Dinner and Art Auction or giving a donation.

Annual Fundraiser March 7
An Evening to Celebrate, Support, and Inspire
Each year, the Springfield Public Schools Foundation hosts its signature fundraising event, the Annual Dinner and Art Auction. This special evening brings together community members, educators, and sponsors in support of innovative learning opportunities for District 186 students and teachers.

Click here to pay for tickets or make a donation: https://forms.gle/eZUfhaMAtuAYfzFJA
Click here to pay for tickets or make a donation:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8WVT9HDDDJLJE

02/07/2026

The Springfield Public Schools Foundation supports teachers and schools in many ways by investing in projects that build community, celebrate culture, and create lasting experiences for students across Springfield Public Schools - District 186. A powerful example of this impact is the Chinese New Year Celebration at Iles Elementary School, led by Mr. Damon McParland.

For more than a decade, the Foundation has been the primary funder of this school-wide celebration, beginning in 2012 during the Year of the Dragon. Mr. McParland describes the event as an “our” project, made possible through Foundation support and the collective efforts of school board members, parent and guardian volunteers, middle school students, and families who step in to help wherever needed. As he shared, “a successful school-wide project needs a community to help it succeed,” and this celebration continues to positively impact students and families year after year.

To support more projects like Mr. McParland’s and help educators across District 186 bring innovative ideas to life, join us at the Foundation’s Annual Dinner and Art Auction or make a donation.

Annual Fundraiser March 7:
An Evening to Celebrate, Support, and Inspire

Each year, the Springfield Public Schools Foundation hosts its signature fundraising event, the Annual Dinner and Art Auction. This special evening brings together community members, educators, and sponsors in support of innovative learning opportunities for District 186 students and teachers.

Click here to pay for tickets or make a donation: https://forms.gle/eZUfhaMAtuAYfzFJA

Click here to pay for tickets or make a donation:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8WVT9HDDDJLJE

01/10/2025

📢 District 186 will be open for school on Friday, January 10, 2025. We look forward to seeing our students today for in person learning!

🧤🧣As always during the winter season we encourage you to dress warm, wear boots or sturdy shoes and give yourself some extra time for travel in the morning! First Student bus company has done test drives today, prepped their vehicles, and are ready to roll. Our District crews alongside City crews are in our lots and on the streets plowing and salting.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these winter conditions.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school.

12/02/2024

10/07/2024

Calling all District 186 Families! 📣

Did you know a $10 donation can create big opportunities in our classrooms? When you add $10 on SchoolPay, you're directly supporting innovative programs and resources that benefit students across the district. Every dollar goes into grants available to ALL District 186 teachers. Let’s empower our educators and inspire our students together! 🌟💡

09/30/2024

Want to make a lasting impact on Springfield’s public schools? When paying your child’s school fees, consider adding a $10 donation to the Springfield Public Schools Foundation. These funds go directly to innovative classroom projects across the district, supporting teachers and students. Your support ensures our schools continue to thrive and grow.

09/23/2024

Your $10 makes a difference! 🙌 When you donate to the Springfield Public Schools Foundation through SchoolPay, you're funding teacher grants that bring new tech, art, and STEM programs to life. 💡 Let’s keep empowering teachers and students!

09/16/2024

📚✨ Did you know? You can support Springfield’s classrooms when paying school fees! By adding a $10 donation on SchoolPay, you're helping fund innovative programs and resources for students across our district. Every dollar goes directly to classrooms! 💻🎨🎻

05/19/2024

03/26/2024

Did you make it out to see the Grant Middle School Drama Troupe’s spring production at The Legacy Theatre, Springfield? We are proud to support these talented students and their dedicated teachers with grant funding to help make this possible. Go GMS!!!

03/10/2024

Another one in the books! Thank you to all of our donors and sponsors for another great event to benefit our teachers and students!

02/15/2024

Our RSVP due date of February 23 will be here soon!

Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8WVT9HDDDJLJE or by contacting the Foundation's office, [email protected] or 217/525-4406. Sponsor opportunities are also available.

This year's dinner will feature guest speaker, Matt McKinney, a Pulitzer Prize-winning former journalist and proud 2009 graduate of Springfield High School. Dinner will be provided by Maldaner's Restaurant, with entertainment by District 186 students.

Over the last 42 years, the Springfield Public Schools Foundation has contributed over $3 million to District 186 teachers, students, and schools in an unending effort to expand academic opportunities, enhance classroom programming, and increase access to extracurricular opportunities. Join us to celebrate the creativity, innovation, and compassion of our educators and help continue our mission to make a difference in our classrooms everyday.

More information about the event can be found on our RSVP form: https://forms.gle/bWWXUjLRrHEAUPHw9 or on the Foundation's website: https://www.sps186.org/page/springfield-public-schools-foundation