The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s capital campaign was a well-choreographed project that breathed new life into the organization’s fundraising plan

By Margaret Battistelli Gardner

Like many arts organizations, Ailey has relied less on individual donors than on foundations, corporations and, to a limited extend, government support. According to Rink, just 6 percent of the organization’s annual contributed income is generated by direct mail (which falls under individual giving). Another 6 percent comes from government support, 10 percent from foundations, 11 percent from major gifts, 32 percent from corporations, and 35 percent from fundraising events.