ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN:
For America’s National Ballet Company
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE

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?
How much is our endowment campaign?
How much have we raised so far?
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.


How much is our endowment campaign?
For the campaign’s initial, private phase, American Ballet Theatre’s Board of Governing Trustees set a goal of $30 million, of which $29 million has been raised, thanks to the generosity and vision of our Board of Trustees and other close friends. Chairman Emeritus Lewis Ranieri chairs our endowment campaign. The funds raised during the private drive form a substantial core endowment on which to build for the future.


How much have we raised so far?
As of May 2008, over 65 donors have contributed a total of $28 million during the campaign’s private drive. American Ballet Theatre thanks the following for their leadership gifts of $750,000 or more:

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.

Gifts of every level are welcome. To get an idea of some of the wonderful giving opportunities that are available, click here.

ABT invites gifts of cast and other types of contributions, some of which offer additional tax advantages.

For additional information, please call American Ballet Theatre’s Development Office at (212) 477-3030, extension 3268.


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.