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The Ice Bucket Challenge is making a new splash with a new cause in mind, nearly a decade after it first went viral to raise awareness for ALS.
In the summer of 2014, a media frenzy ensued with friends, teachers, celebrities, athletes, billionaires and even former presidents dumping buckets of ice water over their head to raise funds and awareness for the progressive neurodegenerative disease.
The 2025 version has been reignited by college students from the University of South Carolina, who hope to raise mental health awareness while helping to boost programs for students in need. What began as a small goal to raise $500 has led to another viral sensation, with celebrities again joining the fun.
Here’s what to know about the 2025 Ice Bucket Challenge, what the rules are, where to donate and what 2014’s cause was all about.
What is the Ice Bucket Challenge?
The Ice Bucket Challenge was a viral fundraising campaign that raised millions for ALS research in 2014. It has been reimagined by students at the University of South Carolina, now with a focus on mental health awareness.
Participants, as they did in 2014, pour ice water over themselves, post the videos and nominate others to join, all to raise awareness and spread education about mental health.
How did the USC Ice Bucket Challenge start?
Students at the University of South Carolina’s Mental Health Needs Discussion (MIND) club launched the #SpeakYourMIND campaign on Instagram in March. This year’s challenge raises funds for Active Minds, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit with a mission to empower youth and young adults and to change the stigma around mental health.
Wade Jefferson, a junior at USC, founded the MIND club after his friends died by suicide, according to NBC News.
At the time of writing, the campaign has raised over $242,000, with participation from high-profile people including TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager, who nominated celebrities Blake Sheldon and Scarlett Johansson, and actor Matt Bomer.
What are the Ice Bucket Challenge rules? Donations, rules
The rules of the 2025 Ice Bucket Challenge are listed on the USC Mind’s official instructions, and include how to nominate the next participant after you are nominated:
- Nominate 2-5 people to join by tagging them in your videos
- Make a donation through the Active Minds and #SpeakYourMIND fundraising page
- Share your video, using the hashtag #SpeakYourMIND and tag #uscmind
- Educate yourself and others by following @uscmind, @active_minds and visit activeminds.org
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: When did the Ice Bucket Challenge start?
The original Ice Bucket Challenge took place during summer 2014 and encouraged people to pour a bucket of ice water over their head (or have someone else dump it on them), to spread education, awareness and raise funds for ALS. It began when professional golfer Chris Kennedy challenged his cousin, Jeanette Senerchia to take part in the Ice Bucket Challenge to honor her husband, Anthony Senerchia, according to the ALS Association website. Anthony Senerchia died in 2017 at the age of 46.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.
