Frequently Asked Questions

The Foundation gives Wiley important financial flexibility to supplement key areas of teacher and staff pay. The money it raises fills gaps left by public education budget cuts so that our teachers and staff can continue to bring our award-winning magnet school programs to life. Because PTA donations cannot legally be used to fund much-needed supplemental teacher and staff pay, the Wiley Elementary Foundation is a strategic way to fill that gap. 

In 2023-24, the Wiley Elementary Foundation provided $30,000 for teacher and staff job funding for the 2024-25 school year. Funds helped offset government budget cuts to the magnet program and the Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) program, and expanded the Friday electives teaching team. 

This critical funding helps expand the capacity of our teachers and staff essential to our school. These funds result in more elective offerings, increased student choice, smaller class sizes, stronger collaborative opportunities, additional focused instruction, and extra magnet program support. 

PTA donations cannot legally be used to fund much-needed supplemental teacher and staff pay; rather they are used for tangible items. The PTA raises money for teacher supply stipends, classroom supplies, professional development grants, appreciation events, capital improvement projects, recycling, and composting. They also support curriculum enrichment through classroom books and technology purchases, media center books, and funding cultural arts programs. The main fundraisers each year include the Annual Fund (all year) and Raise Craze (spring).    

The Cecilia Rawlins Fund (CRF) raises money to provide essential support to Wiley students and families. Initiatives are focused on weekly food security and emergency basic needs, such as housing and utility assistance, clothing, access to food, hygiene products, and medical support. Approximately 40% of Wiley's student population represents Raleigh’s most vulnerable socioeconomic demographic. Main fundraisers each year include Wiley Way Soirée (fall), holiday gift card campaign (winter), and BBQ (spring). 

Wiley International Studies Magnet Elementary School is lucky to have three non-profit groups working hard each year to help its students and teachers thrive. Each group has separate missions, goals, boards, finances, and by-laws. (Learn more about each group in the FAQs above.) All three groups benefit from Wiley families, alums, and businesses who provide volunteers and financial support. The PTA, Wiley Elementary Foundation, and Cecilia Rawlins Fund all share a commitment to advancing the Wiley Magnet Elementary vision: To be a collaborative community that takes initiative to provide rigorous learning and growth experiences for all students to become productive global citizens. 

No. They are three separate non-profit organizations with separate missions, goals, boards, finances, and by-laws. 

Contributions may include volunteering, recurring donations, one-time donations, stocks or other securities, corporate matching gifts, sponsorships, and/or purchases of fundraiser products/services. 

 No. All money supplements what the state allocates. 

The Wiley Elementary Foundation Board of Directors works in partnership with the Wiley Elementary Principal to decide fund allocation, based on annual school priorities and needs.

Yes. The Wiley Elementary Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity. Contributions may be deductible under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. The tax ID/EIN# is 83-1196589.