Launched in 2021, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Fund represents a rare evolution: an accomplished arts organization transforming its legacy into a
philanthropic resource, giving back to the field that sustained it while contributing to its future.
For over three decades, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet created, presented, toured, taught, and celebrated dance, distinguished by its artistic voice,
pioneering spirit, and entrepreneurial energy. The Fund carries that experience forward through a renewed sense of purpose, putting its
legacy to work.
Building on that foundation, the Fund invests in artists, organizations, and initiatives that advance artistic excellence, expand access and
engagement, and strengthen the field. Guided by a spirit of curiosity and innovation, it champions bold creative work, encourages meaningful
collaboration, and fosters practical solutions that benefit performers, presenters, educators, and audiences alike.
The Fund advances its mission through three complementary initiatives: ENCORE! preserves and renews
artistic repertoire, DANCE PARTNERS strengthens the infrastructure that brings dance to audiences, and NEXT STEPS invests
in the people who will shape the art form’s future.
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OUR MISSION
The mission of the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Fund is to carry forward the legacy of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet by fostering creativity,
entrepreneurial spirit, and excellence through meaningful investments in artists, organizations, and initiatives that strengthen the
dance field nationwide.
We believe legacy is not a static inheritance, but a living responsibility: to preserve something extraordinary while ensuring that it
continues to evolve.
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OUR PHILOSOPHY
For more than three decades, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet experienced firsthand the opportunities, challenges, and uncertainties of sustaining
a performing arts organization. Throughout that journey, we benefited from the generosity and trust of individuals and institutions who
believed in our artistic ambitions. Their support made it possible to take risks, pursue new ideas, and contribute meaningfully to the
dance field.
Today, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Fund brings that experience to philanthropy, guided by a simple aspiration: to carry forward the
generosity we received while becoming the kind of funder we ourselves valued as an arts organization.
We believe effective philanthropy begins with listening, mutual trust, and respect for the people and organizations doing the work. Our
role is to recognize potential and provide meaningful support while remaining attentive to the challenges facing the dance community.
Guided by gratitude and experience, we approach this new chapter with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to explore new ways of
giving, believing that the true measure of philanthropy lies not in what is given, but in what it makes possible.
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HOW WE FUND
Our Funding Process, Our Funding Approach
The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Fund operates through an invitation-only grantmaking process and does not accept unsolicited
proposals or applications. The Fund proactively identifies and strategically selects projects, organizations, and initiatives that
align with its mission and current philanthropic priorities. Funding decisions are guided by artistic excellence, demonstrated
impact, and the potential to advance the Fund’s objectives while making a meaningful and lasting contribution to the field of
dance.
Guided by trust, collaboration, and a spirit of partnership, the Fund favors a streamlined, flexible, and responsive approach to
grantmaking, allowing resources to be directed where they can make the greatest difference