The Dallas Opera (TDO) has announced significant progress toward a $25 million challenge gift from the Texas-based O’Donnell Foundation.

The challenge requires TDO to raise $25 million in gifts and pledges by the close of 2025, which the O’Donnell Foundation will match dollar-for-dollar, up to $25 million. To date, the company has secured $13 million toward its goal, including a $7 million lead gift from The Eugene McDermott Foundation.

Once the challenge is met, TDO’s current $30 million endowment will more than double in value. The additional funding will not only expand the endowment but also support multi-year operational needs while the endowment grows.

“The O’Donnell Foundation has been a steadfast and generous partner of The Dallas Opera for many years,” said Ian Derrer, TDO’s Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO, per an official press release. “We are confident in our ability to meet this inspirational challenge match by the end of December, thus bolstering financial stability for the future of opera in North Texas. We are grateful to the O’Donnell Foundation, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, and The Dallas Opera family for their unwavering belief in our mission and for investing in our ability to deliver world-class opera to future generations.”

The Dallas Opera’s 2025-26 season opens on Oct. 17 with a production of “Carmen.”

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