Learning the Art of Giving Back: Reflections from the Student Philanthropy Team
We’re proud to play our part in Interlochen’s future. Will you join us?
The Student Philanthropy Team (SPT)
As the last of the snow finally melts and the countdown to Festival and graduation begins, members of the Student Philanthropy Team (SPT) look back on a year of service, and forward to the seeds they have planted.
The Student Philanthropy Team is a campus volunteer group that supports the Philanthropy Department by helping with fundraising appeals and thanking supporters of Interlochen in creative ways, while learning about fundraising for the arts.
The group of students analyzed their own experiences at Interlochen as they worked on a fundraising letter that many alumni will be receiving this month. The team reflected on Interlochen’s unique culture, which provides the belonging that young artists need to step out on a limb and embrace the risks inherent in the creative process. Beckett (Senior, Musical Theatre) summed that culture up beautifully in the conversation: "This is a place where it’s never lame or embarrassing to have big dreams."
That same culture of affirmation incubates a collaborative approach to the creative process many of the students noted. Emilia (Sophomore, Musical Theatre) detailed one example where she collaborated with a music production student to create a composting awareness video for an ag-science project: “You learn about the world’s problems in academic classes, and how to be part of the solution in your arts classes.”
Passing the Torch to the Next Generation
The students who volunteer for the Student Philanthropy Team want to learn more about fundraising for the arts, and want to give back to Interlochen. They were surprised to learn just how many Interlochen students rely on financial support to attend—84% of the current Academy student body receives scholarship support, and 53% of Camp students receive financial aid. The team has learned where the scholarships that they and their friends have received come from: the generosity of Interlochen’s donors.
Lindy (Senior, Dance) shared her reasons for why she has participated in this group and what it has meant to her:
“To me, Interlochen matters because it's the place where I grew into the artist and student I want to be. To the world, Interlochen matters because it’s the foundation and education of the artists the world needs … I’m grateful for every opportunity and day I spend here. So the chance to be raising money for student opportunities and be a part of a team that gives back is so inspiring.
Because of donors, the most talented young artists in the country can pursue their passions. Through scholarships and student support, they make it possible for all of us to be at Interlochen and become the next generation of artists and changemakers. I want to give back as much as I can in the future because I’ve seen firsthand the impact of philanthropy through my work on the team.”
Serving on the team has also deepened the students' connection to the alumni who came before them. Ivy (Sophomore, Classical Performance, Voice) noted that whether a student attended in 1976 or 2026, some core features remain the same: all of Interlochen’s young artists took that first big risk to leave home to pursue a dream, and decided to forge a new way.
Vera Kate (Junior, Acting) summed up their year of volunteerism and understanding about the role of Philanthropy at Interlochen by sharing, “The entire Interlochen community benefits from what donors give. I wouldn’t have the friendships I have today, the opportunities to perform that I have today, the people to collaborate with, the spaces we live in. We’re all impacted by the people who give. Interlochen just wouldn’t have the same spirit that it does without that support.”
Champion the Arts like the Student Philanthropy Team
The 15 passionate members of the team have spent the 2025/26 Academy year giving back to Interlochen in a meaningful way. Please join them in supporting the Interlochen experience before the fiscal year ends on May 31.
Donor generosity lays the foundation for so much of what these students and their friends love about Interlochen. The scholarships that allowed many of them to be here and the instruction that sets the Academy apart are only realized through your gifts. Make your gift today!
Just for fun: if you’d like to make your gift in honor of the Student Philanthropy Team’s service, check the box “Dedicate my donation” when you go to the online donation form. We’ll share your comment with them at their final meeting of the year.
