The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association Board of Trustees has announced that the locally-based Negaunee Foundation has made a $21 million gift to the CSOA.

The gift represents one of the largest commitments in the CSOA’s history and builds on a multi-decade history of giving by The Negaunee Foundation that is focused on education and community programs and strengthens the organization’s endowment fund to ensure long-term financial stability for the many programs of the CSOA such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Chorus, Negaunee Music Institute and Symphony Center Presents.

In a statement CSOA President Jeff Alexander said, “The impact of The Negaunee Foundation’s transformational gift ensures that young musicians and communities in Chicago, around the country and across the world will remain connected to the extraordinary musical and educational resources of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra,”  “The CSOA expresses its sincere gratitude to The Negaunee Foundation for this exceptional generosity and vision that will sustain our inspiring and effective programs well into the future.”

CSOA Board Chair Mary Louise Gorno added, “The Negaunee Foundation demonstrates tremendous civic leadership with this support. Chicago greatly benefits from donors like The Negaunee Foundation, who recognize the power of the arts to improve lives and connect us in meaningful ways. We celebrate their ongoing commitment to this important work.”