$50 raised by 1 donor
0% complete
$25,000 Goal
Support the G.I.F.T.4.S. Academy on North Texas Giving Day 2026!
Help Us Build the Next 10 Years of Success
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As G.I.F.T.4.S. Academy enters its 10th year of impact, we celebrate nearly a decade of empowering students and families while preparing for an even stronger future.
As the flagship program of The Michael Finley Foundation, G.I.F.T.4.S. Academy prepares students not only for the next school year, but for life.
Your support helps provide:
We believe student success is strongest when the entire family is supported. By investing in our students and equipping parents with resources and tools, we create an impact that extends far beyond the classroom.
Your G.I.F.T.4.S Create Opportunities
Every North Texas Giving Day contribution helps us provide the teachers, educational resources, tutoring, enrichment, and experiences our students need to thrive.
Early Giving Begins: August 27, 2026
North Texas Giving Day: September 17, 2026
Help us continue to support our future generation. Invest in a student. Strengthen a family. Transform a community.
Together, we can create brighter futures.
With gratitude,
The G.I.F.T.4.S. Academy Team
The flagship program of The Michael Finley Foundation
G.I.F.T.4.S. Academy Mission
The G.I.F.T.4.S. Academy aims to combat summer learning loss among students. Each year, many children lose critical academic and social skills during the summer months, creating gaps that can take months to recover once school resumes. Our mission is to bridge this gap by providing students and their families with the tools and support they need to thrive.
The G.I.F.T.4.S. Academy offers a 3-week intensive summer program, complemented by year-round tutoring, monthly family meetings, and mentoring for students from elementary through high school. However, a three-week period is insufficient. We extend our programming to provide students with consistent opportunities to strengthen their academic foundation, build confidence, and develop essential life skills.
Our curriculum emphasizes core subjects, speech and public speaking, health and wellness, and college preparation—ensuring that students grow creatively, socially, and academically. Parents are also empowered through workshops on financial literacy, parenting skills, and other topics that strengthen the entire family unit.
Qualified teachers, counselors, mentors, coaches, volunteers, and staff bring expertise and dedication to help every participant reach a high level of excellence. Together, we nurture well-rounded students who are prepared for both personal and professional success.
To make this possible, we need financial support. Every contribution, large or small, or in-kind donation, directly benefits our students, their families, and our community by reducing summer learning loss and expanding opportunities for lifelong success.
Needs
At G.I.F.T.4.S. Academy, our mission is to remove barriers to education and empower students in grades 3–12 to thrive academically, socially, and personally. To accomplish this, we are seeking support for the following essential priorities:
1. Nutritious Meals That Fuel Success
A hungry child cannot learn. Many of our students rely on the Academy for healthy meals and snacks. Your gift ensures children have the nourishment they need to stay focused, energized, and ready to learn.
2. College & Career Pathways for Seniors
Through scholarships and mentoring, we equip graduating seniors with financial aid and guidance for higher education or vocational training. Donors play a vital role in breaking down financial barriers so students can pursue their dreams.
3. Tools for Learning: Supplies & Technology
From backpacks and notebooks to laptops and internet access, these essentials are the foundation for student success. Your support puts the right tools directly in the hands of students who need them most.
4. Stronger Families Through Parent Meetings
Student success begins at home. Monthly parent meetings provide families with workshops on financial literacy, parenting skills, and educational strategies. Donor support ensures families receive the resources and encouragement they need to help their children thrive.
5. Enriching Experiences Beyond the Classroom
Field trips open doors to museums, science centers, and cultural institutions that expand students’ horizons. Donor support ensures every child can access these experiences that spark curiosity and inspire lifelong learning.
6. Sustaining and Growing Our Programs
Behind every success story are dedicated educators, mentors, and volunteers. Donor contributions help us retain qualified staff, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our programs.
7. Measuring Impact and Expanding Access
We are committed to accountability. With your support, we track student progress, celebrate success stories, and continuously refine our programs to reach more families and maximize impact.
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The Bottom Line
Your investment directly transforms lives. By funding meals, scholarships, supplies, family support, field trips, and sustainable programming, you are helping students and families overcome barriers and achieve their fullest potential.
At the G.I.F.T.4.S Academy, we are unwavering in our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances, every student deserves access to a high-quality education that empowers them to thrive. Our program is founded on the principles of justice and fairness and recognizing that systemic barriers can disproportionately affect certain communities.
We create an environment where all students have an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. We actively seek to address disparities and eliminate educational inequities that hinder the potential of marginalized and underrepresented groups. Our approach to equity encompasses various dimensions, including race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, ability, sexual orientation, and more.
To uphold our commitment to equity, we pledge to:
1. Inclusive Programming: We design and implement our program with inclusivity at the forefront. We strive to ensure that all students see themselves represented and valued in the experiences we provide.
2. Access and Opportunity: We work tirelessly to remove barriers to participation, whether financial, physical, or otherwise. We aim to provide equal access to all program components, from field trips to technology, without discrimination.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: We respect and celebrate our students and their families' diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives. We actively integrate culturally relevant content and experiences into our program to foster a sense of belonging.
4. Equitable Support: Our support extends beyond academics to address the holistic needs of our students. We offer resources and assistance to ensure all students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
5. Transparency: We communicate openly about our equity efforts, progress, and challenges. We seek input from our community to improve our practices continually.
6. Continuous Learning: We engage in ongoing education and training to deepen our understanding of equity issues and refine our strategies for promoting an equitable educational experience.
7. Advocacy: We advocate for policies and practices that promote educational equity at the local and systemic levels. We collaborate with partners to drive change that benefits all students.
Our dedication to equity inspires us to create an educational landscape where each student's potential is recognized, nurtured, and celebrated. By embracing diversity and inclusivity, we are taking meaningful steps toward a future where every student can achieve their dreams, regardless of obstacles.
View our current participation opportunities.
Tutoring on Saturdays at Vivian Field Middle School 3rd Grade through 12th Grade
Ongoing
Farmers Branch, TX
Organization name
G.I.F.T.4.S. Giving Individuals the Fundamental Tools 4 Success
Tax id (EIN)
82-3947947
Causes
Education - K-12
Operating Budget
$500,000 - $999,999
Counties Served
Denton
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Other
BIPOC Leadership
Both the Executive Director/CEO and Board Chair
Address
P.O. Box 560823