Joffrey Ballet lands $8 million in gifts to fuel artistic ambitions

Announced Oct. 14, the gifts will support leadership, artistic creation and major productions as the Joffrey continues to invest in its future.

Noyes, a Joffrey board director and founder of the Make It Better Foundation, established the $3 million endowment in memory of Clara Rideout Noyes, founder of Indianapolis Ballet, and in honor of Greg Cameron’s tenure as the Joffrey’s president and CEO. The gift creates the Greg Cameron Fund for Curious, Courageous, Creative, Collaborative Leadership, which will support work across the organization and preserve the values that have shaped Cameron’s leadership.

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The second gift, a $5 million commitment from an anonymous donor, will advance the artistic vision of Ashley Wheater MBE, the Joffrey’s Mary B. Galvin artistic director. The funding will support artists and productions, including the development of original sets and costumes.

One of the priorities is Christopher Wheeldon’s The Sleeping Beauty, which will make its North American premiere at the Lyric Opera House May 13-23, 2027.

“These gifts strengthen the Joffrey’s ability to create extraordinary art today and plan confidently for the future,” said board chair Jim McDonough, noting that the commitments give artists greater freedom to pursue ambitious creative projects while strengthening both the company and Chicago’s cultural community.

Noyes’ relationship with the Joffrey spans more than a decade. Through the Make It Better Foundation, she has helped raise the company’s profile, connect it with new audiences and bring greater attention to its artistic work. Her endowment also recognizes the legacy of ballet pioneers such as Clara Rideout Noyes while honoring Cameron’s impact on the Joffrey and the city.

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The two commitments also move the Joffrey’s Artistic Innovation Fund beyond $46.4 million toward its $50 million goal. The fund supports artistic creation, including live music and touring, while providing resources that help the company undertake major projects with greater confidence and maintain its long-term stability.

For the Joffrey, the gifts represent more than a substantial fundraising milestone. They provide resources for the artists, productions and creative risks that keep ballet evolving, while helping secure the institution’s ability to serve Chicago audiences for generations to come.