Guide to Giving & Getting Involved
D EA R UP R E P C O M M U N I TY, One of the things that makes UPrep special is the many ways families participate in the life of our school. We volunteer our time, share our talents, and contribute financial resources— all in support of a school where students are known, challenged, and encouraged to grow. Giving time and giving financially are different forms of participation, and both are essential. Volunteers build connections through the Parent Guardian Association, serve as Puma Fund Class Agents, and help bring community events and development efforts to life. Financial contributions to the Puma Fund and UPrep Together enrich the student experience—from classrooms and intensives to the arts, athletics, and student support. Like all independent schools, UPrep relies on philanthropy to sustain and expand the education our families have chosen for their children. For more than 50 years, our school has been shaped by families who believed in its mission and invested in its future. That participation will look different for every family, and this guide describes the many ways you can take part. Thank you for being part of UPrep and for all the ways you help our students and our community thrive.
With appreciation,
Elise Kelley UPrep Development Committee Chair Parent of Ainslie ‘28
PUMA FUND Our annual Puma Fund keeps the full UPrep experience distinctive and accessible for every student and allows the school to respond to ever-changing needs in real time. The Puma Fund makes possible all the co-curricular activities that help students both in and outside of classrooms and equips faculty and staff with resources that keep learning experiences fresh, relevant, and joyful. This year, with a community goal of $1.35 million and 100% parent/guardian participation, we invite you to give at a level that is meaningful to your family. All current families will receive an invitation to participate when the Puma Fund officially launches on September 28, and you can learn more at supportuprep.org. Challenge Match To help us reach our goal of $1.35 million and motivate our community’s generosity, a group of anonymous families made early commitments to a challenge match pool. The first 70 gifts of $3,500 or more will be matched with $3,500, for an additional $245,000.
P U M A F U N D C L A SS AG E N T S Each grade level has a small group of volunteers who reach out to invite participation in the Puma Fund. You can expect to hear from your Class Agent in September. If you are interested in becoming a Class Agent, email development@universityprep.org.
FUN FACT Last year, 470 households gave gifts of $1,000 or less to the Puma Fund—amounting to $145,000 together.
U P R E P TO G E T H E R : M A RC H 13 , 2027 UPrep Together, our annual spring community celebration and fundraiser, will take place on Saturday, March 13, 2027. Join us for a festive evening of drinks, dinner, and community. Funds raised at this event benefit endowed financial aid, providing a reliable, ongoing stream of income that ensures more families can fully access UPrep, whatever their financial circumstances. UPrep Together Planning Committee Do you want to help plan our spring fundraising event? Volunteers help drive attendance, plan social media promotions, and develop the evening’s theme and program. To learn more, email development@universityprep.org.
FUN FACT UPrep awards nearly $5 million in need-based financial aid annually, and this year’s average award is $40,420.
A N N UA L GIVING LE V E L S
$50,000+
Jubilee Society
$30,000 - $49,999
Visionary Circle
$20,000 - $29,999
Innovators Circle
$10,000 - $19,999
Founders Circle
$5,000 - $9,999
Ambassadors Circle
$2,500 - $4,999
Leadership Circle
$1,250 - $2,499
Supporters Circle
Up to $1,249
Friends Circle
D O N O R A P P R EC I AT I O N C E L E B R AT I O N S To show appreciation for our generous supporters, we will host two gratitude events during the 2026–2027 school year. A M BA SSA D O R S N I G H T O U T Donors who contribute $5,000 or more to the Puma Fund this fall are invited to a hosted offcampus reception with the head of school and faculty guest on Wednesday, January 6, 2027. D I ST I N G U I S H E D D O N O R D I N N E R Donors who contribute $20,000 or more combined to the Puma Fund and UPrep Together will be invited to a special dinner with the head of school on Tuesday, April 27, 2027.
FUN FACT UPrep received $210,000 in corporate matching gifts during the 2025-2026 school year!
G E T TING INVO LV E D Parent Guardian Association (PGA) With more than 50 active volunteer roles, the PGA is a great way to be involved in the UPrep community, stay informed, develop new connections, and make a difference across our school. PGA nominations and elections occur in late winter and spring (watch for information in the All-School Email), but ongoing support of our events and programs is needed and welcomed by several PGA committees. These opportunities are outlined below. Contact information for those who are in these positions can be found on the Veracross PGA Portal. Class Reps: The coordinators for grade-level community-building and some all-school events are often seeking helping hands. Contact your grade’s team of Class Reps. School Spirit Committee: This committee engages families in fun and fosters family-wide Puma pride all year. Fine Arts Committee: This committee supports all visual arts, theatre, and musical events and performances and invites families to help with setup and hospitality. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging: Assist with Puma Heritage Night and affinity group events that create connections and awareness in our community. Community Service: This team hosts events and opportunities for families to give back to the Seattle community at large. Sports Boosters: Promote attendance at sports events, assist with photography, encourage team spirit and unity, and plan and carry out senior celebrations. Buddy Families Program: Welcome new families and help their transition to UPrep. Other roles support specific departments, including Admission, Innovation and Outdoor Education, College Counseling, and Wellness. Save the date for the first general meeting of the year on Monday, September 14, 2026 or email development@universityprep.org to learn more.
CO N N EC T WITH U S! If you’re curious about philanthropy at UPrep or looking for ways to volunteer and get involved, we’d love to chat. Schedule a one-on-one conversation with our Development Team to ask questions, share ideas, and learn how your engagement—through time, talent, and/or resources—can make a meaningful impact. Click here to schedule a conversation. We look forward to meeting you!