Despite Fiscal Year 2025 proving to be “more complex than the recent years of notable growth,” the Festival at Sandpoint’s annual report credited “diverse revenue streams, disciplined expense management and prudent savings” to result in a year-end profit.
According to the recently released report, which covers October 2024 to September 2025, total income for the nonprofit arts organization ran to $2,377,982.14 with expenses of $2,364,174.82, for a profit of $13,807.32. Programs, including the annual summer concert series, accounted for 77% of income, followed by 19% from fundraising, 4% from other sources and 1% from grants.
FAS pointed to “a sharp drop in grant funding due to federal freezes that reduced availability and heightened competition” during the year, as well as a nationwide decline in live music ticket sales, which the Festival also experienced.
Regardless, the organization’s net assets increased $19,029.07 over the course of FY’25.
Harold’s IGA and Justin Landis perform at the Festival at Sandpoint’s 2025 Community Night. Photo by Racheal Baker.
“Our success is rooted in careful stewardship and the continued generosity of our donors and sponsors,” the report stated.
Among the highlights of the 2025 Summer Series at War Memorial Field was Community Night, which featured four artists from around the region with tickets priced below $20. In addition, FAS donated 1,186 tickets to community members through its Ticket Giving programs.
“With our 2025 Summer Series, we continued to strengthen our community and keep our programming accessible to all,” stated Director of Operations Veronica Knowlton.
According to Development and Community Engagement Coordinator Darra Collison, the Festival partners with local schools and organizations to provide free Grand Finale tickets, with an emphasis on providing accessible admission to individuals with special needs, seniors and veterans.
“This year, we gave away 198 tickets to the Grand Finale, helping low-income and underserved families enjoy this cherished community tradition,” stated Collison, who joined the Festival in 2025, bringing her lifelong community connections to the organization.
In collaboration with artist teams, the Festival also provided 944 free tickets to teachers, nurses, EMTs, police, firefighters, veterans and active-duty service members for four performances:
Neon Trees, Community Night and DISPATCH.
During the 2025 Summer Series, the Festival partnered with local nonprofit Pend Oreille Pedalers to improve and operate its bike check area while spreading the word about POP’s mission.
In addition to the Summer Series, the Festival assists other organizations with production services, including lighting, sound and equipment rentals for their events. This year, those included Bonner General Health’s Heart Ball, Lost in the ’50s, KRFY’s Little Live Radio Hour, Community Cancer Services Rock Out Cancer and more. During that time, production services revenue increased by 50% and in-kind donations totaled upward of $8,000 to help local nonprofits’ fundraising efforts.
Meanwhile, FAS expanded its year-round music education programs, growing the Instrument Library by more than 20%, and with more than 60% of the 70 instruments being checked out.
“For the first time, we have a waitlist,” Production and Education Manager Paul Gunter stated. “We’re continuously investing in new instruments to meet demand, and donations are always
greatly appreciated.”
The Festival’s Pre-K Outreach program, which offers a series of in-class lessons that engage students in music, is now operating in four local preschools: Huckleberry Montessori, Kaniksu
Community Health Kids Club, Sandpoint Play & Learn and Selkirk School.
To learn more and read the 2025 Annual Report, visit festivalatsandpoint.com/annual-reports.
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