Donor and Membership FAQs

Volunteers and donors helped found the company in 1951 and have been instrumental in providing funding, guidance and enthusiasm for nearly 75 years. Our donors are inspired by the artform, champion our artists, act as advocates for the company and enjoy the feeling of a dedicated community. Together we sustain a company that is beloved at home and recognized internationally for creativity, a commitment to excellence and our signature repertoire.

• Our largest revenue streams are box office (ticket sales) and charitable giving
• We also gratefully receive grants from all three levels of government: Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council
• The National Ballet of Canada Endowment Foundation was established to raise capital and provide grants to the company from the interest
• We also receive a small amount of income from renting our productions (costumes, sets and props) to other ballet companies, as well as interest from investments

Every donor who gives $100 or more (or $9 a month) is considered a member of the National Ballet. As a member, you have voting rights at our Annual General Meeting (held in the fall). Also, and more fun, are the opportunities we offer through our donor giving programmes, such as Friends’ Corps and Patrons' Council. We invite you to come behind the scenes to see how your gifts are used to support our dancers, their training and wellness, our Orchestra, performances, accessibility initiatives and community programming.

We thank you for being a loyal subscriber of the National Ballet. However, subscriptions are separate from charitable gifts. If you’re able, please consider making a charitable gift to the company to enhance your support and experience.

Yes, we are. Our Charitable Registration Number is 11905 1449 RR0001.

The National Ballet of Canada Endowment Foundation is registered as a separate charity.

Plus, gifts made to American Friends of The National Ballet of Canada and UK Friends of The National Ballet of Canada can be used for tax-deductible indicated purposes.

Yes. We send charitable tax receipts for all gifts of $20 or more.

Your gift results in a non-refundable tax credit that will reduce your income taxes. You can use it in the year of your gift or carry it forward for up to five additional years.

Tax receipts will be sent electronically to your email address in your account, unless you have indicated otherwise. If you are receiving it by email:

• For a gift online or over the phone, we send a tax receipt the next business day. You will receive an acknowledgement of your gift made online within minutes
• For gifts by mail, we send a receipt within 2 business days once received
• For monthly gifts, you will receive a consolidated tax receipt for all payments made in a calendar year early in the following year
• For a gift of securities, we will send a receipt within two days of the completed transaction

Of course. If you wish, here is a form to include to make it easier. You can find our mailing address on each form.

The National Ballet of Canada
American Friends of The National Ballet of Canada

Absolutely! The National Ballet of Canada appreciates the consistency of monthly gifts to provide funding throughout the year. For your benefit, you can spread out your generosity into manageable monthly donations.

Learn more

If you wish to make a gift to pay tribute to a loved one, please call us at 416 (1 866) 345 9595. One of our representatives will take your information and also ask if you’d like to send a message to the honouree or next of kin.

We love celebrating and thanking our donors. Throughout the year you will receive special invitations and communications to learn more about the impact of your gift.

Additionally, we will recognize your support in our annual report, on our website and digital signage at the Four Seasons Centre. All gifts of $500+ are included in these acknowledgements.

Our Most Recent Annual Reports 
Online Donor Recognition 

You have the option to donate online, by mail or by phone: 416 (1 866) 345 9595, whichever is most convenient for you. When we’re performing at the Four Seasons Centre, you could also make your gift at the theatre.

Yes! Your gift of securities entitles you to a tax receipt for the full market value of your donation, as determined by the share price when they are received.

You pay no capital gains tax on the appreciated value (increased price) of the securities you donate to The National Ballet of Canada, maximizing the return on your investment.

Gift of Securities form

Yes, absolutely! By leaving a gift to The National Ballet of Canada in your Will, you'll be remembered and celebrated as a passionate supporter of Canada’s leading ballet company. Your generosity will support the company’s work on stage, behind the scenes and in our community.

Learn more 

Every year, the National Ballet needs up to 3,000 pairs of pointe shoes to ensure that all the dancers have suitable footwear to take class, rehearse and perform. With your charitable gift of $125 or more to the Pointe Shoe Fund, you’ll receive a signed pointe shoe from one of our dancers, along with unique behind the scenes experiences as a thank you.

The National Ballet respects your privacy and adheres to all federal standards and guidelines.

Read our full Privacy Policy

The introduction to the Donor Bill of Rights states: “Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life.”

The National Ballet of Canada endorses and adheres to the Code of Ethical Standards developed by the Association of Fundraising Professionals as well as the principles stated in the Donor Bill of Rights.