The Endowment Foundation Celebrates 25 Years

Every unforgettable performance at The National Ballet of Canada is powered by more than just artistry – it's built on a legacy of vision, dedication and enduring support. At the heart of this is The National Ballet of Canada, Endowment Foundation, providing crucial, long-term funding that fuels everything from groundbreaking new works and international tours to vital community engagement and the well-being of our dancers.

This May, we proudly celebrate 25 years since the inaugural meeting of the Endowment Foundation’s Board of Directors. What began as a bold vision has become one of Canada’s largest performing arts endowments – now valued at $124 million – a cornerstone of the company’s success today and for generations to come.

Join us in honouring the generosity and foresight that continue to shape the future of ballet in Canada.

A Bold Idea Born from Challenge

Like many transformative ideas, the creation of the Endowment Foundation began during a time of uncertainty. In the 1990s, The National Ballet of Canada faced a persistent $1 million funding shortfall. Refusing to let the company’s future hang in the balance, then Board Chair Jim Pitblado stepped forward with a bold, long-term vision: a permanent source of financial strength. His leadership led to the founding of the current Endowment Foundation, which held its first Board meeting on May 15, 2000 – a moment that reshaped the trajectory of the National Ballet and set a lasting standard for leadership in Canadian arts philanthropy.

Every gift to the Endowment Foundation makes a difference – but a series of truly exceptional contributions have defined its growth over the past 25 years. It all began with a visionary $100,000 gift from Paul and Adelle Deacon in 1997, igniting the idea that would become the Endowment Foundation. That spark was followed by a generous $1 million commitment from the Bahen Family, dedicated to supporting national touring. Two transformative estate gifts deepened this legacy: $8 million from the Estate of Mona Campbell and $4 million from the Estate of Walter Carsen. In the past decade, Joan and Jerry Lozinski made history by endowing the Artistic Director position, and most recently, Donald K. Johnson honoured his wife, Anna McCowan-Johnson, with a remarkable $10 million gift, supporting both new productions and a dedicated role in community engagement. Together, these landmark contributions have shaped a future full of promise.

Legacy in Motion

The power of legacy giving is also embodied by the 300 current members of the Celia Franca Society, a community of donors who have committed to leaving a future gift to the Endowment. Their foresight ensures that The National Ballet of Canada continues to thrive for generations to come. Matching programs from government partners – such as the Ontario Arts Foundation’s Arts Endowment Fund Program and the Canada Cultural Investment Fund’s Endowment Incentives component – have further fueled this growth by amplifying the impact of private support. This strong collaboration between individual and institutional generosity has created a resilient foundation for artistic excellence.

Steadfast Leadership. Strategic Vision.

Much of the Endowment’s success can be credited to the steady hand of David Macdonald, who has Chaired the Endowment Foundation Board with vision and determination for over two decades. Under his leadership, the Endowment has not only grown significantly, but also led the way in pioneering smart, sustainable funding models – most notably the expendable fund approach, which combines long-term financial health with the flexibility to respond to immediate opportunities and needs. His leadership has helped shape a foundation that is as forward-looking as the art it supports.

Celebrating 25 Years of Impact

As we mark the 25th anniversary of the Endowment Foundation, we extend our deepest gratitude to every donor, past and present. Your support has made it possible for The National Ballet of Canada to dream bigger, reach further, and remain a leader in the arts – not just today, but for generations to come.

Top Photo: Jim Pitblado,  C.M. and David Macdonald. Photo by Bruce Zinger.