Des Moines Metro Opera Foundation

Celebrating an industry-leading legacy

In 1993 a number of forward-thinking opera lovers began to see the value of an endowment that would secure the future of Des Moines Metro Opera.

That was the year that visionaries Doris and John Salsbury issued a $1 million “one to three” challenge gift, and campaign co-chairs Dan Krumm and Chérie Shreck led the charge to meet the challenge. Their goal: establish the Des Moines Metro Opera Foundation and persuade the area’s most philanthropic and arts-loving individuals and corporations to rise to the occasion and add their support.

Over thirty years later Des Moines Metro Opera is an industry leader in the area of fiscal sustainability. Its annual operating budget to endowment ratio is one of the highest in the opera field in the United States, which positions the company to be a pioneer in sustainable funding for years to come.

There are many ways to support the Foundation and meet your own personal philanthropic goals. We hope you might consider supporting any one of the current funds within the Foundation to perpetuate your artistic legacy into the future for generations to come.

Greater Des Moines Community Foundation

Additionally, donors may consider naming Des Moines Metro Opera as the beneficiary of an Endow Iowa Fund with our partners at the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation. This arrangement may give donors the opportunity to enjoy special tax advantages.

To learn how you can give a gift, contact Des Moines Metro Opera at 515-209-3255 or email Scott Arens at sarens@dmmo.org.