Grant and Funding Programs Offered by St. Michaels University School Parents' Auxiliary (PA)

The St. Michaels University School Parents' Auxiliary (PA) is an independent non-profit society and registered charity formed by parents and guardians of SMUS students. Working closely with the school community in Victoria, British Columbia, the PA raises money through events and services such as used uniform sales, hot lunch programs, and social and fundraising activities. These revenues are then redistributed to support initiatives that enhance student life and the broader school environment.

A key feature of the PA is its formal allocations process. Each year, the Allocations committee invites teachers, administrative staff and PA members to submit requests suggesting how Parents' Auxiliary funds should be used. The committee reviews and prioritizes these funding requests, and proposed allocations are brought to a vote at a PA meeting. This structure makes the PA a small but formal funding body within the school, channeling parent-generated resources into educational, recreational and cultural projects across the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools.

Beyond annual project allocations, the Parents' Auxiliary has established an Endowment Fund to help students who might not otherwise be financially able to attend SMUS. The endowment is managed by the school’s Vivat Foundation, and the investment income is used to fund student bursaries. In addition, the Parents' Auxiliary Award supports a well-rounded Senior School student who needs financial aid and demonstrates strong community service and leadership. Families can direct donations to this fund through the school’s Annual Fund.

The PA is governed by an elected executive of volunteer directors, including a president, vice-presidents, treasurer, secretary, members at large and school liaisons for each division. All parents and guardians of current or former students, as well as SMUS staff and spouses, are eligible for membership. Through this structure, the PA fulfills its goals of promoting the welfare of the school financially and generally, providing facilities and enhancements for students, and fostering a strong community connection between families and the school.