Maria Kochetkova and Herman Cornejo in Cinderella.
Photo: Gene Schiavone.

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Endowment Campaign

American Ballet Theatre, one of the world’s premier ballet companies, sustains a vital part of the world’s cultural heritage. The company embraces the grand traditions of dance, from full-length story ballets to abstract, modern pieces. Throughout, ABT maintains an unwavering commitment to artistry and excellence in all styles of dance.

In 2005, the Board of Directors embarked on its first endowment campaign to establish a fund that will ensure the company’s future position. We invite you to join us in helping us build this fund. Your participation will lay the groundwork for new generations to equal – or exceed – the tremendous accomplishments of yesterday and today.

What is an endowment fund?
Why is the endowment important?
What will an endowment fund mean for you as an audience member?
What can you do?
What about planned giving?

 
What is an endowment fund?
An endowment fund is an investment in the future, providing ongoing financial security while enabling continued artistic excellence and innovation. The principal of the fund – that is, the amount that is raised from our generous donors-- is carefully invested and remains whole. The interest generated by the fund supports American Ballet Theatre's artistic and educational programs on an annual basis.


Why is the endowment important?
To sustain the company and build upon its great achievements, a substantial endowment is essential to our future. The stability will allow the company to continue to invest in all of its core areas and achieve excellence in each. Every year, ABT must rely on contributed income to meet almost half of its operating expenses. While we cut costs wherever we can, the high price of touring and production exceed the income produced by ticket sales and other revenues. When fully realized, an endowment with a principal of at least $30 million will yield annual interest income equal to over $1 million and provide a crucial piece of our financial puzzle and long-term financial stability.

What will an endowment fund mean for you as an audience member?
The endowment fund will enable American Ballet Theatre to sustain and expand essential programs and invest in all of its core areas. It will ensure our ability to:

What can you do?
We invite those who want to secure American Ballet Theatre’s future vitality to join us by contributing to our endowment campaign. ABT provides those who invest in the Company's future with a sense of pride in helping to bring dance to America and American dance to the world. Your gift will support ABT activities in perpetuity, thus ensuring ABT's tradition of superlative dance for future generations of artists and audiences.

ABT invites gifts of cash and other types of contributions, some of which offer additional tax advantages:

For more information please contact Diane Kuhl, Associate Director of Major Gifts, at 212.477.3030 ext. 3241 or dkuhl@abt.org.

What about Planned Giving?
For those who find now is not the right time to contribute, please consider making a planned gift to the Lucia Chase Society and as an alternative means of supporting American Ballet Theatre’s future. Planned giving program enables you to make strategic contributions through a bequest in your will, living trust or gifts that provide benefits during your life and the life of a loved one.