Since 1988, the Steans Institute has been a leading destination for emerging classical and jazz musicians, offering professional development in a nurturing and inspiring environment.

In order for these artists to focus on their craft during their residency, every participant receives a fully funded fellowship, covering all expenses associated with this transformative experience, from intensive coaching to room and board.

These life-changing opportunities are funded by the generosity of donors like you, ensuring that the institute remains accessible to all, empowering the next generation of musical leaders to grow and excel.

Ways to Support

While receiving the same benefits as donating to the Annual Fund, your contribution to Ravinia’s Steans Institute directly fuels the artistic growth of these emerging artists and brings their performances to life with free and low-cost concerts all summer long. 

You may designate your donation for general operating expenses or to support the Jazz, Piano & Strings, or Singers Programs specifically. 

Fund a Fellowship

Provide a tuition-free experience for an emerging professional musician so they can focus on what truly matters: their artistic growth. 

  • For the Jazz Program, a gift of $7,500 provides full funding for one fellowship.
  • For the Piano & Strings and Singers Programs, a gift of $15,000 provides full funding for one fellowship, and a gift of $7,500 provides half funding for one fellowship.
     

Sponsor a Concert or Master Class

Support the programming of Steans events as part of the Ravinia Festival season by underwriting a concert of cutting-edge jazz or essential classical works, or a master class that goes behind the scenes of the artistic development process.

Commission a New Work

Help enhance the rich tapestry of classical chamber music and art song and extend the vital creative vision of contemporary composers to more audiences—commission a new work and see music come to life with a Ravinia premiere!

Interested in Leaving a Lasting Impact?

Talk with us about meaningful gift opportunities at Steans Institute through a planned gift or bequest.

Donate to the Steans Institute

As a Steans donor, you can enjoy Ravinia benefits the same as a contribution to the Annual Fund, including early access to season announcements, priority ticket notifications, parking privileges, and early entry into the park.

Make a gift to Steans Institute by clicking one of the donation buttons below. Once added to the Cart, you may increase the gift amount from the minimum for that level. If you would like to designate your gift to a specific program, please contact Cami Wallace at cwallace@ravinia.org or 847-266-5025.

For assistance making a gift, please contact the Development Team at donors@ravinia.org or 847‑266‑5461.

For more information about giving to Steans, or assistance making a gift, please contact the Development Team at 847-266-5461 or donors@ravinia.org.