Each summer, hundreds of student artists flock to Chautauqua Institution to hone their crafts. Working alongside world-class faculty, they polish their skills and make professional connections that last a lifetime. Among the most unique aspects of the experience is the multidisciplinary nature of student life at Chautauqua. Dancers, singers, actors, instrumentalists and visual artists share meals and living space, collaborating and expanding their artistic horizons. Countless artists, who now populate the world’s stages and galleries, hold their Chautauqua experience dear. To make the program more accessible, many students receive tuition support because of philanthropy from generous Chautauquans. This financial aid is essential in ensuring the best emerging artists of our time can share in, and elevate, the Chautauqua experience. 

“I see firsthand how scholarship gifts support Chautauqua’s performing and visual arts students and the resulting artistic experiences they get to enjoy over the course of the summer. Our students come from all over the country and the world to hone their skills and perform on our stages, which wouldn’t be possible for them without philanthropic support. The deep well of budding talent that Chautauquans have access to should not be taken for granted. Our students will soon go off to become extraordinary professional artists. How special is it that Chautauqua gets to play a role in launching their careers? I’m grateful for the supporters who ensure that students have room to grow here and that Chautauquans get a front row seat to experience emerging talent.”
—Sam Minardi, Schools of Performing & Visual Arts and Arts Education Coordinator 

Though Chautauqua’s grounds have seen many transformations since those first seasons, from fashion trends to architectural styles, among the essential components that have remained unchanged is the Chautauqua Lecture Series. Perhaps the core offering in Chautauqua’s Education pillar, the lecture platform has been occupied by United States presidents, religious leaders, change-making artists, and some of the best thinkers of the past 150 years. Beyond its power as a platform for civic dialogue, it has also served as a gathering point for generations of families and friends. It works as a catalyst for conversation and increased understanding, exemplifying the Institution’s mission to explore the best in human values and dedication to fostering lifelong learning. The platform has been supported by endowment and annual giving alike, perpetuated by philanthropic community members who recognize its value to both the larger world and our individual social circles. 

Since its inception in 1937, the Chautauqua Foundation has served as the primary vehicle for visionary Chautauquans who want to secure the Chautauqua experience for future generations. Annual payouts from nearly 800 restricted and flexible funds support every corner of the Institution’s programs and operations, providing crucial, dependable support each year. More than a quarter of the Foundation’s net assets, which totaled more than $100 million at the end of 2022, provide for general support that gives the Institution flexibility in addressing pressing, unforeseen needs. The remainder is dedicated to supporting physical maintenance and the Institution’s four programmatic pillars: arts, education, religion, and recreation. In 2022, more than $4 million in payout was made available to the Institution, touching the experiences of every Chautauquan who visited our historic grounds, whether they spent the season or an afternoon with us. The growth and success of the Foundation is made possible by the many generous Chautauquans who create new funds, or contribute to existing funds, each year.