About
The Leela Foundation is the first and only self-standing endowment for Indian classical dance and music, and is committed to establishing the financial infrastructure necessary for India’s artistic and cultural traditions to thrive and take their place on the world stage. This means providing crucial financial support to those artists that embody and advance these traditions; supporting innovation and excellence in the field; and supporting cornerstone educational programs.
The Foundation’s various funds and giving programs provide patrons with the opportunity to invest in programs they care about and match their giving to their values. Donors can choose to make a one-time contribution to a fund or contribute monthly. Donors that are looking to have a lasting impact on the field can choose to make a legacy gift.
Through the artists, educators and programs we support, the Foundation ultimately seeks to have a transformative impact on the field of Indian classical art and ensure that communities worldwide and generations to come have access to the richness and depth of India’s artistic traditions.
Read more about Our Artists
Read more about why Patronage Matters
Financials
The Leela Foundation strives for transparency and accountability. The Foundation’s financial practices and policies ensure that funds contributed by donors are invested towards creating mission impact. The Foundation’s investments are managed in accordance with a solid investment policy and with the aim of simultaneously serving the current and long-term needs of the field of Indian classical dance and music.
All of the Foundation’s policies are made publicly available along with a range of financial reports including tax filings, quarterly investment performance reports, and annual reports.
Meet Our Donors
The Leela Foundation is supported by a generous community of patrons that affirm an abiding belief in the power of dance and music to elevate and uplift individuals and societies. We are thrilled to share with you a series of illuminating conversations with our donors as they discuss the arts, philanthropy and more. Visit our Individual Patrons page to view our complete list of donors.
Meet Ann Petersen: passionate supporter of the arts – from dance to music to opera – and a lover of all things Indian.
Meet Dr. Ushakant Thakkar: business leader, philanthropist and passionate advocate of Indian art, philosophy and spirituality.
Meet Preetha Nair: proud entrepreneur and mother of Namitha and Vismaya, members of Leela Youth Dance Company.
Meet Ann Petersen: passionate supporter of the arts – from dance to music to opera – and a lover of all things Indian.
Meet Preetha Nair: proud entrepreneur and mother of Namitha and Vismaya, members of Leela Youth Dance Company.
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