The art of giving back: Creating momentum during Act for Art

Over $336,000 raised for student scholarships during Act for Art 2025.

Students at a volunteer station during the Act for Art kickoff party, writing thank you notes and hanging out with Denny the Blueberry

Students at a volunteer station during the Act for Art kickoff party, writing thank you notes and hanging out with Denny the Blueberry

The fifth annual Act for Art Giving Days inspired a heartfelt wave of support for emerging artists and their families. During this incredible community effort, 459 donors contributed a total of $336,703, including matching challenge gifts, to fund crucial financial aid for students in the upcoming Camp and Academy year.

Over the course of Act for Art 2025:

  • Every gift was matched by Interlochen’s Board of Trustees, and we’re grateful for their support of this campaign.
  • Donors from 13 countries and 42 states joined together to help young artists make their way to Interlochen.
  • 171 Academy and Camp alumni gave, unlocking a $15,000 challenge. Special thanks to a 2003 Camp alumnus who provided the alumni challenge!
  • 82 Academy parents unlocked $11,541. Special thanks to the 10 Academy families who came together to provide two different challenges for Academy parents!
  • 111 employees unlocked $8,235. Special thanks to the Board of Trustees for providing an additional boost for employee gifts.

Behind this success were 150 passionate volunteers who created videos sharing their Interlochen experiences, spread the word and the Interlochen love on social media, offered challenge gifts, personally reached out to fellow alumni and parents asking for support, helped express gratitude to donors, and made gifts of their own. Additionally, Arts Academy students participated in the Student Philanthropy Team’s kick-off event on May 7, taking action to spread awareness and thank contributors.

Giving Days are most successful when a group of energetic volunteers start the momentum. Act for Art benefited from the incredible enthusiasm of our volunteer champions on campus and afar, from China to Switzerland, from California to Michigan, from their tweens to their 80s. These generous volunteers powered the Act for Art momentum—helping to spread the word and share the meaningful ways Interlochen impacted their lives.

One of the wonderful volunteers who gave his time this year was Xiaohua Wang, a parent of a freshman at Interlochen. He shared that was inspired to volunteer this year because “more children deserve the opportunity to discover their potential at Interlochen. I’ve been profoundly moved by the growth and independence my child has gained through this extraordinary community. The environment here doesn’t just nurture artistic skills. It cultivates confidence, curiosity, and a sense of adventure that I see thriving in every aspect of her life. Interlochen matters because it’s a place where every child is empowered to explore, create, and belong. I’m honored to support a campaign that opens such doors for others.”

Below are more of the heartfelt messages we received during this year's campaign. To view all comments, please visit the donor roll at the bottom of the Act for Art page.

THANK YOU again to all who gave or volunteered for coming together to make Act for Art 2025 a success for young artists and their big dreams!

Act for Art 2025 Donor Comment Sampling

This is a donation for my graduation year of 1980 and my post graduate year of 1981. Interlochen was the most amazing start to my career in music. - Jon

I give every paycheck but excited to join everyone to make a big push during Act for Art. Interlochen changed my life for the better and continues to change my life with every new student I get to work with. - Lesley T.

Grateful to Interlochen for the foundation of my personal practice and career, and the most meaningful, the gift of life long friendship. I want every kid to have the chance I had. - Mia

I learned so much at Interlochen including things that I continue to teach my students today. - Emily

Thank you IAA for fostering creativity, individuality, and learning in a beautiful environment. Proud Alumni Mom (IAA 2023) - Nicole

As a teenager in the 70's and 80's, I would dream of attending Interlochen's theatre program. With a family of six, I knew that my parents couldn't afford to send me, but financial aid was not available to me then. If I can just be a small part of someone attending that has that same dream-I am grateful. To that next theatre star who walks through that door on a needed scholarship through the Annual Fund-Break a leg! - Cindy

Thank you for creating a welcoming home away from home where young artists from all over the world grow, collaborate and build community with one another. - Yvonne

I attended IAA from 1981-1983. It was a life-changing experience. I made some wonderful friends, learned from top musicians and teachers and was inspired by the beauty of Interlochen’s setting. - Lisa

Thank you Interlochen beautiful art and artists into the world for almost 100 years! In my son, you planted and grew the inspiration for him to become an incredible trumpeter. His music can lift spirits, give chills, create smiles, amplify visual arts, and bring people together. We are proud to support the Interlochen Annual Fund, especially with its focus on supporting those artists who would not be able to attend Interlochen without it. - Lesley M.

Interlochen injects life into this little area in the woods and I couldn't be happier to support the young minds who dare to dream. Be bold, be brave, and believe in yourself! - Kelly

Proud to support the next generation of artists and dreamers. Grateful for all Interlochen does to inspire creativity, courage, and connection. Keep shining! - Shamara