Invest In Our
Pride
Be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of LION Charter School students.
$25
Supplies for one LION Pride activity
$50
Food box for a family in need
$100
One set of classroom library books
$500
Round-trip plane ticket for an alum to visit family
$1,000
Facilitator for a club
$5,000
Graduate school tuition stipend for one teacher
$10,000
Character retreat for 20 families
$25,000
Junior overnight college experience for 20 students
Our Philosophy
Family Partnership & Character Development
At LION, we focus on forging partnerships with families, given their integral part of each student’s identity. By the time students graduate from LION, they can identify their core values and are consistently living their lives by them.
Learn More
LION Annual
Fund
LION’s Annual Fund supports many facets of LION’s operations and the programming we deliver to ensure that every LION student has access to the support and platforms they need to fulfill their leadership potential.
- Academic & Literacy Programs
- College Prep Program & Graduate Funds
- Enrichment Programs & Athletics
- K-12 Family Programming & Urgent Family Support
- Professional & Leadership Development
Ways to Give
Give By Mail
Donations may be made by check and mailed directly to LION Charter School. This option is ideal for donors who prefer traditional giving or wish to direct their contribution to a specific fund or project with a personal note. Checks may be made out to Leaders In Our Neighborhood Charter School (LION) and mailed to LION Charter School, Attn: Maya Severns, PO Box 330, Bronx, NY 10474.
Wire Transfer
For larger gifts or international donations, wire transfers provide a secure and efficient way to support LION. Please contact Maya Severns, Director of Development and Marketing, at mseverns@lioncharterschool.org.
Stocks or DAF
Gifts of appreciated securities or contributions through a donor-advised fund can offer tax advantages while maximizing your impact. Discuss these options with your financial professional to understand the benefits and advantages of this type of donation. You can find our school in most systems using our full name, Leaders In Our Neighborhood Charter School, or our EIN: 74-3162136.
Employer Match
Many employers offer matching gift programs that can double or even triple your contribution. We encourage donors to check with their employer to amplify the impact of their generosity. If your company has a matching gift program, please include the appropriate form or link with your contribution.
Endowment
Endowment gifts provide lasting support by ensuring LION’s mission is sustained for generations to come. These contributions strengthen the school’s financial foundation and long-term stability. Please contact Maya Severns, Director of Development and Marketing, at mseverns@lioncharterschool.org to begin a conversation about a LION endowment.
The Pride
The Pride is our community of monthly donors who believe that every child in the South Bronx deserves a meaningful education and a village around them. Members of The Pride fuel joyful classrooms, dynamic enrichment opportunities, college access and success, and family support that help LION students grow into the bold leaders our neighborhood deserves.

“When you give to this scholarship, you aren’t just writing a check. You are fueling dreams. You’re telling students like me: You belong here. You are capable. And we believe in you. That kind of encouragement is priceless. So, from the bottom of my heart - I thank you. Thank you for believing in the girl who once wandered those hallways, wondering what she might become, and who is now designing spaces where others can dream, learn, and grow.”
Sherice Gomes
LION ‘20; Howard University ‘26

“I’m really thankful to LION and to all of you who contribute to making these opportunities possible. You’ve helped me and my peers dream bigger and see that we can truly do anything.”
Brandon
8th Grade

"What I love most about LION is our unique community. From collaborating with Hip Hop legends to taking students to Broadway shows, every moment feels special."
Dani Nicolosi
Elementary Performing Arts Teacher

"I discovered that growth hasn't happened in the loudest moments, but in the quiet choices we make each day to show up, to attempt one more time, to tell the truth."
Abdulwahab
LION '25; Colgate ‘29
Give Powerfully
Give Now
Your generosity expands opportunity for every LION student and family.
Donate Now