Our Tradition of Giving
A Guide to Everyday Impact PUNAHOU SCHOOL
Punahou’s Tradition of Giving Giving is woven into the very foundation of Punahou, dating back to 1795 when the lands of Kapunahou were generously gifted by Hawaiian ali‘i to missionary founder, Hiram Bingham. This spirit of philanthropy continues to guide our community, shaping generations through a legacy of generosity and shared purpose.
About Punahou 3,782 Students
1,745
Over 900 faculty and staff
28,900
alumni on record
Grades 9 – 12
1,038
Grades 6 – 8
999
Grades K – 5
5,900 current parents/guardians
27,900
parents of alumni
76-acre, 64-building campus
Punahou’s Operating Budget Revenue
Expenses
Tuition
Compensation and Benefits
Families’ commitment to a Punahou education.
76%
Supports access, equity, and opportunity for students of all backgrounds.
Reflects our commitment to world-class educators and staff who shape young lives every day.
12%
62%
Financial Aid
14%
10% Mission Support
Philanthropy
Mission Support & Other Needs
& Other Income
Includes auxiliary services and other revenue that helps sustain the school.
26% Encompasses campus maintenance, technology, arts, and athletics – all that enriches the student experience.
The Philanthropy Piece of the Pie Philanthropy = Punahou’s Endowment + Donor Gifts Reflects the power of giving to enrich programs, open doors, and inspire innovation.
As of July 2026, Punahou’s endowment had a market value of $487M which generated $17M to support the school in the 2026 – 2027 school year.
Annually Punahou receives over 10,000 outright gifts totaling approximately $19M.
Who Inspires Support? Volunteers Class Reunion Gift Committees
Advancement Team, School Leadership and Trustees
Our Donor Community Alumni Representing 12 decades, 85 classes, 49 states and 24 countries.
Friends of Punahou Parents and Guardians 1 out of 2 families make a gift each year!
Faculty and Staff Over 400 employees support Punahou with a gift annually!
Grandparents
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A Legacy of Giving
Thoughtful, Consistent Giving from our Donor Community
Sets an Example for Student Gratitude
Fosters Future Alumni Engagement and Support
Which Grows the Strength of Our Community
Beyond Punahou: A network of 28,900 alumni around the world! 8 Punahou Alumni Association Regional Chapters – Hawai‘i, Pacific Northwest, Northern California, Southern California, New England, New York, Mid-Atlantic and Japan Ka ‘Ohana Punahou – Punahou’s alumni online networking platform Alumni Reunion – a week of festivities held annually, with milestone class celebrations every five years. Alumni Events – Dinner in the Buff ’n Blue, the Alumni Association Golf Tournament, and many more Other Programs – Punahou Book Club, Alumni Keiki Experience, Alumni Travel Program
Types of Gifts Annual Gifts from our entire donor community help fund Punahou’s day-to-day operations and top priorities. These gifts can be made by cash, check, credit card, or stock as one-time donations every year or set up as recurring contributions. They typically support the following current-use funds: Punahou Fund
PunsUnited Fund
(current critical needs)
(student financial aid)
Alumni Class Funds (Endowed funds for current critical needs and/or student financial aid)
Major and Leadership Gifts and pledges are significant contributions designated for capital projects or named endowed funds, creating lasting impact and supporting long-term priorities. Planned Gifts are future contributions – such as bequests or life income gifts – designed as part of a donor’s financial or estate planning to support the school’s mission for generations to come.
How to Give
WWW A
Visit punahou.edu/giving/give-now anytime to make a gift!
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It’s a one-day buff ’n blue celebration focused on community participation in giving through fun challenges, matching gifts, class competitions and more.
Look out for one of our mailers or emails encouraging support. Scan the QR Code to give online or submit your gift with the included remit card.
What Does Your Gift to The Punahou Fund Support? Outdoor Education
‘Ike Hawaii
Entrepreneurship
Design Technology and Engineering
Service Projects Sustainability
Off-Campus Experiences and Travel
Cultural Experiences
Learning Support Financial Aid benefits 24% of Punahou’s students
Social, Emotional, Ethical Learning
Robotics
Faculty Professional Development
150+ Teams and 23 Sports Facility Enhancements
Campus Safety and Security
Classroom Resources
Music, Dance and Theatre
Visual Arts
Over 100 Student Clubs
An Expansive Alumni Network
Mentorship Opportunities
Faculty Research Projects
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09.03.26
FAQS Why does Punahou need support beyond tuition? Like most independent schools, tuition alone does not cover the entire cost of operations. Gifts from our community along with tuition and fees provide a complete Punahou Experience. Why is participation important? Strong participation reflects a vibrant, engaged community that believes in and supports our school’s mission. Do small gifts really make a difference? Yes they do! Many gifts each year (over 10,000) from a wide range of donors add up (approximately $19M). Why should I give every year? Consistent annual giving helps sustain academic programs, financial aid, extracurricular activities and campus improvements. For more information, visit punahou.edu/giving. Leah Freitas Director of Annual Giving
Lilly Seyler Annual Giving Officer
808.943.3270 lfreitas@punahou.edu
808.983.5035 lseyler@punahou.edu