An Endowment for Kansas City Ballet
Moving Into the Future
Over the last decade, Kansas City has built a reputation as an arts magnet.
Feeding on the City’s enthusiasm, the company has emerged – performing at a level with the best in the country.
We would gladly assist you with ways to make a gift that is meaningful to you and has a lasting impact for Kansas City Ballet.
Please contact Jennifer Wampler at 816.216.5585 or by email.
Over the last 40 years in order to keep pace with rising costs, ballet companies across the nation have increased ticket prices. These increases, however necessary, outpaced the earning power of the audiences. And now, Kansas City Ballet, just like other national companies, must limit ticket price increases to keep attendance affordable and accessible.
With current financial projections, expenses will begin to surpass income in 2025. The easy answer is “cut expenses”. Cuts would begin to the decline of the Ballet, taking us backward and losing what so many have built.
A strong financial future is the best solution to ensuring Kansas City Ballet’s continued momentum. The arts in our community are a “need to be” not a “nice to be”. We owe future generations the best Ballet Company the region can offer. Our city is a gift, and we strive to give back to the city. As you have helped us build this treasure, we invite you to help us preserve it.
How to Support the Endowment
PERPETUAL FUND
A perpetual fund or endowment is an investment fund set aside for the long-term support of Kansas City Ballet. It is your opportunity to give in a way that provides the Ballet with stability and you with a long-term relationship with the organization.
LEGACY COMMITMENT
Once your family and friends are provided for, we hope you’ll consider making Kansas City Ballet part of your legacy. It is one of the most meaningful things you can give to future generations and we’d be honored by your thoughtfulness.
Types of Perpetual Funds Available
NAMED FUND
Gifts to the campaign of $50,000 or more in cash (or equivalent) or $100,000 or more as a planned gift may establish a Named Perpetual Fund.
As donor of the Fund, you may choose to leave the income as undesignated or direct the income to a specific area of need. Custom funds may also be created with the assistance of the Ballet’s development staff.
POOLED FUND
Starting with a minimum campaign gift of $5,000 cash or $10,000 planned gift, donors may invest in a Pooled Perpetual Fund.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to giving unrestricted funds, you have the opportunity to support three priorities of Kansas City Ballet’s future:
ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE
Areas to support include:
• Dancers
• Live Music/Orchestra
• Production and Repertoire
• Artistic Staff
HIGH QUALITY TRAINING
Possible areas of funding include:
• Student Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Live Music
• Performance Opportunities
• School Staff and Guest Teachers
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Examples of support opportunities include:
• Community Programs
• Matinees for Students
• Community Engagement Staff
Scholarships Funds
By contributing to any of the four distinguished scholarship funds created exclusively for the Kansas City Ballet School, your investment provides aspiring ballet dancers support to pursue their dreams. At the same time, you are honoring some of Kansas City Ballet’s most cherished contributors and their incredible legacies.
Inspired by Kansas City Ballet Founder Tatiana Dokoudovska, the Tatiana Dokoudovska Scholarship Fund was established by her former students to honor the dancer, choreographer and artistic director’s wholehearted dedication to ballet and mentoring. Affectionately known as “Miss Tania,” she had a sharp eye for talent, identifying and nurturing the potential in each of her students. She is remembered fondly as both a teacher and a friend to an entire community of former dancers.
Named for Emeritus Artistic Director Todd Bolender, who transformed Kansas City Ballet with his artistry and vision, the Todd Bolender Scholarship Fund continues his legacy by supporting promising young dancers enrolled in the Kansas City Ballet School. Todd established the School in 1981, believing it essential to provide excellence in dance training for the next generation of dancers. Honoring Todd, the School prepares students for the widest spectrum of opportunities within the professional dance world.
The Shirley Weaver Scholarship Fund celebrates gifted ballet dancer and beloved dance instructor Shirley Weaver who worked alongside her dear friend Tatiana Dokoudovska during the early days of Kansas City Ballet. “Miss Shirley,” as she was known in the studio, taught hundreds of students, including the children of former students, who were often in awe of her. As a teacher, she was demanding yet patient, inspiring and encouraging, treating each student with equal care.
Dr. Linda Mitchell founded the Building Diversity in Ballet Scholarship Fund to support pre-professionals in the Kansas City Ballet School who are from under-represented communities. According to Linda, “We have an opportunity to open our heart, soul and creativity to encourage all kinds of people to engage with Kansas City Ballet, especially because Kansas City itself is so diverse.”
How will you be remembered?
Make your passion a vital part of your life story. Your gift is an investment that will have the impact and significance to secure the future of Kansas City Ballet.
We would gladly assist you with ways to make a gift that is meaningful to you and has a lasting impact for Kansas City Ballet. Please contact Jennifer Wampler at 816.216.5585 or by email.
Disclosure: We encourage you to consult your financial advisor or attorney as you consider a gift for Kansas City Ballet. The information provided here is not intended as legal, accounting, or other professional advice.