2026-27 season launches alongside five-year strategic plan.
Great art requires more than talent—it needs a strong foundation. The third pillar of our five-year strategic plan strengthens the fundraising capacity, leadership, and infrastructure that will carry Grand Rapids Ballet into its next 50 years. Though this might seem a little less exciting than our artistic and educational pillars, it is essential to sustaining our mission—it’s essential to our future.
At the center of this work is SOAR, our five-year, $4 million campaign, with a $1 million first-year goal. Through naming opportunities, challenge and matching gifts, and multi-year commitments from major donors, SOAR will help close our structural gap and fuel growth.
Beyond SOAR, we’re broadening our community of support. Over five years, we aim to welcome 185 new mid-level annual donors and reconnect with former supporters. This year, we’re also piloting a tiered membership program at the $100 and $200 giving levels, making it easier for more people to join the Grand Rapids Ballet family and provide ongoing support. We’ll deepen partnerships with corporations, foundations, and public funders while growing non-program revenue from facility rentals, parking, and boutique and merchandise sales.
Behind the scenes, we’re investing in the people and systems needed for growth. We’re expanding staff capacity in development, engagement, and sponsorship; strengthening our data and budgeting systems; and creating thoughtful leadership succession plans.
Our goal is a sustainable 50/50 balance between earned and contributed revenue. For every dollar earned through ticket sales and school registration, we aim to raise another through philanthropy. This balance gives us the stability to take risks instead of retreating from them.
This pillar depends on all of us. Whether you give, open a door, or proudly share our story, you’re helping build something that lasts.