About

The Leela Foundation is committed to building the financial infrastructure necessary to elevate India’s artistic traditions on the world stage. Founded by Rukhmani Mehta, it is the first U.S.-based endowment for Indian classical dance and music — providing critical annual income to Leela Dance Collective and supporting the artists, performances, and educational programs that keep this tradition thriving.

A Tradition Without a Foundation

India’s classical dance and music traditions are among the richest and most sophisticated knowledge systems in the world — carrying philosophy, history, spirituality, and culture in living form. And yet these traditions exist without the institutional and financial support necessary to sustain and advance them. The artists and organizations that dedicate themselves to carrying these forms forward operate without financial backing, stable funding, or the platforms and audiences their work deserves. Despite their extraordinary richness and depth, India’s classical arts remain at the margins of the global cultural conversation.

A Foundation, At Last

The Leela Foundation aims to create financial infrastructure where none exists. Through critical annual income distributed to Leela Dance Collective, the Foundation sustains artists and tradition bearers, supports world-class performances, develops new productions, and trains future generations. Established in 2023 with seed funding of $1 million — made possible by a community of over 500 donors — our aim is a $5 million endowment that transforms what is possible for Indian classical arts.

Join Us

A gift to the Leela Foundation is more than a donation — it is a stake in shaping the future of Indian classical arts. The Foundation welcomes major gifts, multi-year pledges, planned giving, and bequests. To explore any of these options or to speak with us about a significant gift, please reach out directly at foundation@leela.dance.

Gifts of every size contribute to a permanent legacy. Make a gift today and join a community of over 500 patrons who are building India’s cultural legacy.

Contribute Now

To learn more about Leela’s work and impact, browse our annual impact reports.