THE NATIONAL BALLET OF CANADA ENDOWMENT FOUNDATION

The National Ballet of Canada Endowment Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit organization established in 1999 to provide dedicated, long-term financial support to the National Ballet of Canada. Registered under the business number 889898722RR0001, the Foundation plays a key role in ensuring the sustainability and artistic excellence of the ballet company well into the future.

History and Purpose

The Endowment Foundation was created with an initial gift of $100,000 and has since grown significantly through contributions from individuals, foundations, government agencies, and corporations. Its primary purpose is to generate investment income that supports the National Ballet of Canada’s activities, providing financial stability and enabling ambitious artistic planning and programming.

Financial Overview

As of recent reports, the Endowment Foundation manages investments valued at over $100 million. Over its existence, it has granted more than $33 million to the National Ballet of Canada, underpinning the company’s operations and growth.

The Foundation’s investment portfolio includes a diversified mix, with nearly half of its investments in U.S. and international equities. These funds contribute to a substantial reserve for the ballet company, which had approximately $104 million in total reserves at the end of fiscal year 2023, including $62 million in donor-endowed funds.

The financial health supported by the Endowment Foundation allows the National Ballet of Canada to cover about a year and a half of its program costs through reserve funds alone, highlighting the Foundation’s crucial role in the organization's fiscal sustainability.

Donation and Legacy Giving

The Endowment Foundation encourages support through various giving options, including one-time donations, multi-year pledges, and legacy gifts. Donors can establish personal funds within the Foundation, creating a lasting legacy in honor of themselves or loved ones.

Legacy giving is promoted as a meaningful way to ensure continued support for Canada’s leading ballet company, with professional advisors often engaged to facilitate planned gifts and estate donations.

Impact and Recognition

Through its endowment, the Foundation has secured the National Ballet of Canada’s ability to maintain artistic excellence and community engagement for over two decades. The financial security provided by the Foundation enables the ballet company to focus on innovative programming and outreach initiatives without compromising financial stability.

In 2024, the National Ballet of Canada was rated as a 3-star charity by Charity Intelligence Canada, reflecting a solid, though moderate, level of transparency and donor impact in its financial reporting and program expenditures.

This overview captures the essential role of the National Ballet of Canada Endowment Foundation in sustaining one of Canada’s premier arts organizations through prudent financial management and philanthropic support[1][2][5].