Gifts to the Joffrey’s endowment are investments in the future of dance, including commissioned works, Joffrey Academy of Dance scholarships, and artistic innovations.

The General Endowment Fund generates annual operating revenue to support the Joffrey’s work across all areas of its mission: accessible dance education, training, and presenting world-class dance on stage in Chicago and across the country. 

The Rudolf Nureyev Fund at The Joffrey Ballet, the first endowment in the Joffrey’s history, was founded in 2015 when the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Foundation awarded the Joffrey a $500,000 challenge grant if the organization could raise an additional $1 million. Over 75 donors contributed to this fund that now supports the creation and performance of full-length story ballets.  

Endowed Scholarships at The Joffrey Ballet support tuition, housing, and stipends for students in our Pre-Professional Program. These named scholarship funds are established as part of estate gifts or in a donor’s lifetime and provide the necessary resources for talented students to train at the Joffrey Academy of Dance regardless of their ability to pay.  

Kristen Bigham

Director of Major & Planned Gifts