Giving
Why give to Pilgrim?
Pilgrim School is a community united by shared values, a love of learning, and a belief in the power of education to make a meaningful difference in the world. Our strength comes from the commitment of our parents, students, grandparents, alumni, and friends, each of whom plays a vital role in helping us thrive.
Philanthropic support at Pilgrim is an investment in our mission and our students. Gifts made to the school throughout the year help sustain the exceptional academics, innovative programs, and dedicated faculty that define our school, while also advancing our commitment to socioeconomic diversity. Through generosity, we are able to ensure that talented, deserving students from a wide range of backgrounds have access to a transformative Pilgrim education. Our fundraising efforts include:
- The Pilgrim Fund, our annual fund, supports every aspect of education and community life at Pilgrim. From classroom enhancements and tuition assistance to on- and off-campus programs, activities, and competitive benefits and professional development for our faculty and staff, the Pilgrim Fund touches every student’s experience. We are deeply grateful for our community’s growing participation and for the meaningful impact each donor makes in strengthening Pilgrim.
- Panther Palooza (formerly Ninja Nation and Jog-a-thon) is a beloved, community-wide fundraiser that supports specific priorities at the school. Most recently, this event helped fund a new basketball and volleyball court on Sarafian Field and provided support for the Neighborhood Scholars Program.
- Pilgrim Night Out, the school’s spring gala, celebrates the generosity and spirit of our community. One hundred percent of proceeds–from ticket and raffle purchases to sponsorships, auctions, and text-to-give donations–directly support our tuition assistance program, expanding equitable access to a Pilgrim education for families across our community.
We rely on the collective support of our community to move this work forward. Whether you are contributing for the first time or have been a longtime supporter, your participation reflects our belief that education has the power to open doors, inspire growth, and shape brighter futures.
Thank you for being part of the Pilgrim community and for helping us build a stronger, more inclusive future--together.
What Your Gift Goes To
Classrooms and Academics
Tuition Assistance
Teacher Benefits and Salaries
Technology
Sports and Extracurricular Activities
Professional Development
DEIB Education and Initiatives
Campus Maintenance and Security
Ways to Give
• One-time or recurring gift/pledge made online at https://www.pilgrim-school.org/give/donating-to-pilgrim-fund
• Check or money order sent to:
Pilgrim School, Attn: Advancement Office
540 S Commonwealth Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90020
• Gifts of securities/stock or wire/ACH transfer: contact Nari Kye, Director of Advancement for instructions
• Don’t forget to check for matching gift opportunities with your employer!
Matching Gifts
Many companies and corporations offer matching gift programs to promote philanthropy and give back to the community. This is an easy and wonderful way to multiply the impact of your gift as the most common ratio is 1:1 match! You can use our Matching Gift Search feature below to find out if your employer offers any matching gift program and, if so, what you need to do in order to take advantage of that opportunity.
CLICK HERE to see if your company participates in a matching gift program.
Giving Circles
Giving Circles are a way of recognizing and celebrating the generosity of our community. These circles highlight the collective impact of our donors and help us sustain the school’s core values, including academic excellence and socioeconomic diversity. No matter the size of your gift, your support moves us forward and strengthens the Pilgrim community.
Giving Circle affiliation is based on cumulative giving per fiscal year.
Head of School Circle
$25,000 and above
Leadership Circle
$10,000 - $24,999
Partners Circle
$5,000 - $9,999
1958 Circle
$1,958 - $4,999
Panther Pride Circle
$1,000 - $1,957
Community Builder Circle
$500 - $999
Helping Hands Circle
Under $500
Endowment
A strong and growing endowment is essential to Pilgrim’s long-term success and financial sustainability. Endowment support provides a reliable foundation that allows the school to plan strategically for the future, respond to changing needs, and uphold its mission across generations. Unlike annual giving, endowment gifts are invested to generate ongoing support, ensuring that Pilgrim remains strong not only today, but well into the future.
By contributing to the endowment, donors create a lasting legacy--one that provides support in perpetuity for the areas of greatest need, including academic excellence, faculty support, and socioeconomic diversity. Growing the endowment is a way to honor the past, strengthen the present, and secure Pilgrim’s future for generations of students to come.
Please contact Nari Kye, Director of Advancement, if you are interested in learning more about Pilgrim's endowment giving program.
Planned Giving
Planned giving offers a meaningful way to create a lasting legacy at Pilgrim while aligning your philanthropic goals with your personal values. Through bequests and other planned gifts, supporters can make a lasting impact on the school’s future.
Common planned giving options include:
- Bequests through a will or living trust
- Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts or life insurance policies
- Gifts of appreciated assets, such as stocks or securities
- Charitable gift annuities or trusts that provide lifetime income
- Endowment gifts that support Pilgrim in perpetuity
A planned gift ensures that your commitment to education endures for generations, sustaining academic excellence, expanding access, and strengthening Pilgrim’s future. By including Pilgrim in your estate plans, you become part of a legacy of generosity rooted in the transformative power of education.
Please contact Nari Kye, Director of Advancement, if you are interested in learning more about planned giving options.
