ATLANTA - The Goizueta Foundation has awarded a $2 million grant to Atlanta Ballet, making this the second-largest single gift the company has received in its 82-year history.

"This is a shining moment for our organization," said Arthur Jacobus, Executive Director of Atlanta Ballet. The impace this gift will have is huge; it echoes the goals we've outlined for the Ballet's long-term growth and sustainability. Most importantly, it endorses our mission and recognizes our contributions to the community."

The Goizueta Foundation, whose mission is to assist organizations that empower individuals and families through educational opportunities that improve their quality of life, has been a long-time supporter of Atlanta Ballet. In 2002, the Foundation awarded Atlanta Ballet a grand to create a Hispanic outreach initiative with the Latin American Association that later grew into one of the organization's most successful community outreach initiatives. More than 1,000 students have been served by the program, with several that continue to train with Atlanta Ballet on full scholarship as a result.

The gift will help sustain the organization and support the Ballet's internal capacity initiative and establish a cash reserves fund, which will serve as an internal line of credit for the company. Both items are primary objectives of the organization's current strategic plan.

The Goizueta process is an extensive one, with only a small percentage of candidates asked to submit formal proposals. "We were ecstatic when we got the news," said Jacobus, who received the congratulatory call from Mrs. Goizueta, wife of the late Roberto C. Goizueta, herself. "The Foundation is very selective and we are grateful that they continue to see value in our vision, direction, and programs. Hearing it directly from Mrs. Goizueta made the moment even more special."

The Goizueta grant is one of the many triumphs for the Ballet over the past few years, including: hiring noted arts leader Arthur Jacobus as Executive Director; rolling out a $19.3 million capital campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the company's history; opening the Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre, a state-of-the-art, LEED Gold-certified facility; and bringing the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra back for all performances of Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker.

In addition to the Goizueta grant, the Ballet has been the recipient of two other major gifts this season: a $20,000 award from the National Endowment for the Arts in support of the February 2012 Twyla Tharp world premiere The Princess and the Goblin, and a $20,000 grant from The Home Depot Foundation.

About Atlanta Ballet
Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the country and the official state Ballet of Georgia. Atlanta Ballet's eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. After 82 years, Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. In 1996, Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education and is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. The Centre serves over 150,000 people in metro Atlanta each year. Atlanta Ballet's roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city's cultural growth and revitalization. For more information, follow us on Twitter @atlantaballet, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlantaballet.

About The Goizueta Foundation
The Goizueta Foundation, established in 1992 by Roberto C. Goizueta, aims to support educational programs that promote sustainable change and have a long-term impace in the community. Its mission is to assist organizations that empower individuals and families through educational opportunities to improcve the quality of their lives. In order to carry out this vision, the Foundation works closely with potential grantees to encourage open communication and foster a sense of community partnership. goizuetafoundation.org.

Contact:
Sigele Winbush - (404) 862-2081
publicrelations@atlantaballet.com