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Endowment Gifts

double bassist at interlochen arts camp

An endowment gift is the best way for your philanthropy to have a long-term impact at Interlochen. Your influence will last for generations. 

An endowment can be established with a single gift, a pledge fulfilled in up to five years, or through a planned gift. Philanthropy staff work with a donor who wishes to establish an endowed fund so that the designation of a donor's gift can be documented, and their gift used appropriately by Interlochen now and into the future. You can choose to name an endowed fund after yourself, or your designee—parents, family, a mentor, or another person special to you.

Your endowment, as part of Interlochen's overall endowment, is invested right away. We take a portion of the earnings (currently 4.35%) from this investment and use it to support the area of your choice, such as scholarships, faculty, guest artists, touring opportunities, public radio, or building maintenance. The remainder of the earnings is reinvested, ensuring your endowment fund retains its buying power over time.

You can increase the impact of your gift as you continue to build the endowment. Many donors also include the endowed fund in their estate. 

Endowment Levels

  • $50,000 endowment is the minimum for an endowed Camp Scholarship
  • $100,000 endowment is the minimum for an endowed Academy Scholarship
  • $100,000 is the preferred minimum endowment level for establishing an endowed fund for faculty positions, guest artists, touring opportunities, program support for a specific arts discipline, or Interlochen Public Radio
  • A $50,000-$250,000 endowment currently funds a Visiting Artist
  • A $300,000 endowment currently funds a six-week Arts Camp scholarship each year
  • A $300,000 endowment currently funds a Camp faculty position
  • A $1.5 million endowment currently funds an Academy faculty position
  • A $1.75 million endowment currently funds the annual tuition, room, and board for an Arts Academy student

Endowed scholarships provide a permanent investment in the young artists of Interlochen, and ensure that they have the opportunity to attend Interlochen for decades to come.

This type of gift is especially satisfying for donors, as it establishes a lasting legacy. Endowed scholarships can also be named in honor of a friend, a loved one, or a mentor. Learn more about supporting students with an endowed scholarship.

Endowed Scholarships

Visiting artists and artists-in-residence are an essential component of the young artist experience at Interlochen. These accomplished artists of today offer illumination, insight, and real-world experience to the artists of tomorrow. What’s more, they delight, inspire, engage, and empower our community with their talents and fresh perspectives.

Your endowed support for visiting artists ensures that these impactful artist visits remain a vital part of an Interlochen education for generations to come.

Visiting Artists

The artistry that Interlochen Arts Academy students develop on campus reaches even greater heights when it’s shared beyond it. Through an endowment gift dedicated to student touring, you can ensure that Interlochen’s young artists continue to collaborate and make connections with fellow artists — and inspire audiences across Michigan and around the world — for generations to come.

Learn more about supporting student touring.

Student Touring

Philanthropic support for Interlochen enables us to make plans for the future — and to be there for students when unplanned needs arise. Learn more about the Bob Luby Fund for Student Emergencies, a special fund that exists to turn times of crisis into moments of support and relief.

The Bob Luby Fund

For more information on these or other options for endowment gifts, please call Philanthropy staff at 231-276-7623 or email philanthropy@interlochen.org.