The cornerstone of Pinewood's philanthropic initiatives is the Annual Fund First, an annual campaign that supports the operating budget. Pinewood tuition covers about 96% of our operating expenses; gifts to the Annual Fund First complete our ability to cover all costs.

We encourage all families to give to their individual capacity. Gifts of all sizes are needed and appreciated.

Learn about the 2017-2018 Annual Fund First 100-Day Campaign >>

The Benefit Events and the Annual Fund First all provide critical operating support for Pinewood, but they play slightly different roles in the community. The AFF is the most broad-based fundraising effort each year.

Auction

Pinewood hosts an auction event every other year to benefit various initiatives that directly impact our students.

Golf Tournament

On alternating years, the school hosts a golf tournament to benefit the Athletics Department.
See photos and more from the 2017 Golf Classic

Pinewood Performing Arts Fundraiser

Every year, the Pinewood Performing Arts Department holds a fundraiser to benefit the PPA Scholarship Fund.

Capital Campaigns

Capital Campaigns are a part of Pinewood's Advancement efforts from time-to-time in order to meet the needs of growth in our facilities and programming. Due to the generosity of many Pinewood families, we completed a very successful campaign in 2016 that resulted in improvements at Upper Campus and a major remodel of Middle Campus.

Volunteers make a meaningful difference at Pinewood School. Your gift of time and talent is vital to our community and it also allows you a chance to meet fellow parents, students and staff. Depending on your availability and interests, there are countless ways to volunteer; parents can help plan events or assist during the activities.

Grade Level Representatives (GLRs)

The representatives coordinate our parent volunteers and also meet regularly with the administration to facilitate the flow of information between the school and the parent community.

Grade Level Representatives contact Pinewood parents at the beginning of the academic year. Your GLR can help you get plugged in as a volunteer. If you have questions about this process, please email communications@pinewood.edu.

Annual Fund First Ambassadors

The ambassadors play a vital role in educating parents about the importance of supporting the Annual Fund First. In addition to making their own gifts, they encourage and promote both leadership and participation.

If you are interested in becoming an Annual Fund First Ambassador, please email development@pinewood.edu.

Special Event Volunteers

• Jamboree & Haunted House (annual event)
  • A fun afternoon of carnival games, crafts, food, class fundraisers, and a Haunted House for students, parents, alumni, family, and friends
• Pinewood Auction & Dinner (biennial event)
  • A night of dining, dancing, and exciting items available for bidding
  • Past venues have included the Computer History Museum and the Four Seasons Hotel
• Pinewood Golf Classic (biennial event)
  • A great way for new and returning golfing parents to meet other Pinewood families
  • Past venues have included the Stanford Golf Course, the Los Altos Golf & Country Club, and the Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club.

If you are interested in volunteering at one of Pinewood's special events, please email development@pinewood.edu.

A gift of long-term, appreciated securities helps save you taxes twice. Such a gift provides an income tax deduction and a capital gains tax savings. It is often the best asset to give. For information on how to make a stock gift, contact the Development Office, via email or 650-209-3041, or ask your broker to contact:

Susan Spaugh
Morgan Stanley DTC #0015
415-984-6615 Acct # 164-070998-089
For A/C: Creative Center of Los Altos dba Pinewood School

Gifts in kind, or non-cash gifts, are gratefully accepted. Many of our supporters have access to goods and services which can be used for our classroom and athletic programs. Contact the Development Office at development@pinewood.edu or 650-209-3041 for arrangements.

Many employers participate in a matching gifts program as an employee benefit. Matching gifts allows you to double or triple your contributions to the school. Contact your Human Resources Department for guidelines and forms. You will be recognized by Pinewood School for the sum total of your family's gift AND any corporate match given in your name.

For A/C: Creative Center of Los Altos dba Pinewood School

In addition to gifts of cash or securities, there are a variety of other gift vehicles that enable donors to make larger gifts than would otherwise be possible. Such gifts often generate substantial tax savings and can generate increased income as well. Each of these gifts must be tailored to a donor’s specific situation. Please call the Development Office at 650-209-3041 for more information, as well as consulting with your attorney and other advisors.

Gifts of Real Estate or Appreciated Property

Many donors find it attractive to give appreciated property—homes, other types of real estate, businesses, personal property, etc.—because of the potential tax benefits.

Bequests

The simplest way for donors to arrange for a gift from their estate is to include a bequest provision to Pinewood School in their will.

Life Income Plans

These gift plans allow donors to give assets to Pinewood School while retaining an income for themselves or others. In addition to providing income (often tax-free), these gifts offer a number of tax and other advantages.

Gifts of Life Insurance

Many people own some form of life insurance that was purchased to provide protection that is no longer needed, even though the policy is still in force and may have significant cash value. Such policies can form the basis of a gift to Pinewood School.