Ways of Giving Back to Pilgrim School
Welcome to the 2008 - 2009 school year. This year is our golden anniversary and we have many wonderful opportunities to celebrate all that Pilgrim School has given to the community.
We invite you to make special anniversary gifts to Pilgrim School. What follows outlines the many ways of supporting Pilgrim School. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Development Office at tdevito@pilgrim-school.org or (213) 385-7351 ext 255.
Since 1958, each Pilgrim School student and family has benefited from the generosity of First Congregational Church, which provides a beautiful historic campus and financial supplements. Individual and foundation donors have supported scholarships, capital campaigns for new buildings and upgrades, including the Seaver Building, new science laboratories, technology upgrades, and the playground.
Now is the time to “pay it forward” and ensure that future generations of Pilgrim students enjoy an affordable independent education with all of the benefits of a first-rate faculty, new technology, and modern classroom amenities.
Your support is vital to secure these opportunities for an enduring Pilgrim School community.
Annual Giving Campaign
What is Annual Giving?
Annual Gifts provide funds for the school’s current year operating expenses. Annual gifts to Pilgrim make up the difference between tuition and the actual cost of educating each student.
Tuition and fees cover less than 85% of the cost of educating each student, which is typical for independent schools. Every Pilgrim student receives aid in the form of subsidies provided by First Church. The remaining “gap” must be bridged with donations from parents, alumni, church members, governing board members, faculty, staff, and friends.
One of our goals this year is to substantially increase parent and alumni participation in the annual fund. We ask that you make a tax-deductible contribution based on your ability to make a tax-deductible gift towards our students’ education.
A high percentage of participation from the Pilgrim community makes it easier for us to receive funding from outside foundations and corporations. When outside funding sources see that we believe in ourselves, we can build a stronger case for their support. Funders want to support winners, and schools that show financial involvement from stakeholders are perceived as those most likely to succeed in their goals. Your donation, of any amount, helps to strengthen Pilgrim School.
You may make a secure donation on-line [LINK] or download a giving form [LINK] and mail it to Development Office, Pilgrim School, 540 S. Commonweath Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90020. Thank you!
Other Ways of Giving to Pilgrim School
Gifts to the Endowment Fund
Money in the Endowment Fund is invested. The principal remains intact as the school spends a percentage of the interest income. The practical equivalent is a savings account. Endowment income allows Pilgrim to invest in faculty compensation or new faculty positions (often called endowed chairs), enriched academic programs and resources, and financial aid. The endowment also provides stability and security in the event of unforeseen events.
Income provided by endowment funds means ….
- Tuition increases can be controlled. Tuition does not cover the full cost of a Pilgrim education. Income from our endowment means that tuition increases can be kept low to maintain affordability for all families. Pilgrim’s tuition rose 5% this year, as opposed to the 12% increase from comparable schools.
- Support for compensation for an outstanding faculty. To reward and retain a top-notch faculty, salaries must rise by more than the factor of inflation. Endowment is needed to cover this essential expense.
- Financial aid to students. Endowment provides funding that supports economic diversity in the Pilgrim student body.
- Stability and reserves during uncertain economic times.
- Available funding when unique opportunities or new educational initiatives present themselves.
Planned Giving
For many people, the best way to make a significant donation to charity is through their estate. With planning and foresight, a legacy gift can assure that the Pilgrim School mission is carried into the future. There are also tax benefits.
One method of building the Pilgrim endowment is through a planned gift, or a bequest. Making a bequest is as simple as inserting a few sentences into you will, such as, “I give $10,000 to Pilgrim School.” The school can also be a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or an IRA. Bequests can be earmarked for the endowment, or directed to any area of the school. If you are interested in learning more about bequests, please contact Dr. Mark Brooks (who is a member of the California Bar) at (213) 385-7351 x 451. All conversations are confidential.
Capital Gifts
These are gifts to meet building needs the school cannot pay for out of operating expenses. Currently, we are seeking gifts for the Fine Arts Center, for which the Ahmanson Foundation has provided the initial funding. We are also renovating our preschool yard to include more nature and distinct playing spaces. Both of these improvements will allow for increased learning opportunities for all of our students.
Gifts of Securities
Gifts of appreciated securities make particularly effective gifts as they provide a meaningful income tax deduction for the full fair market value at the time the gift is made. Neither the donor nor Pilgrim School incurs capital gains when the gift is liquidated. For more information on how to make tax-deductible gifts of securities, please contact our Business Manager at (213) 385-7351.
Scholarship Funds
One-third of Pilgrim School students receive tuition assistance. We are proud of the inclusive nature of our community. Gifts dedicated to scholarships ensure our ability to accept highly qualified students, regardless of financial needs
