$25 million challenge gift, initiated by William T. Solomon and the O’Donnell Foundation to benefit opera

The Dallas Opera announced a landmark $25 million challenge gift spearheaded by longtime civic leader and philanthropist William T. Solomon in partnership with the Texas-based O’Donnell Foundation.

 The initiative will double the company’s endowment and secure vital funding for general operations.

The challenge requires TDO to raise $25 million in new gifts and pledges by the end of 2025, which the O’Donnell Foundation—at Solomon’s urging—will match dollar-for-dollar, up to $25 million.

“This initiative represents not only a remarkable act of generosity, but a call to action for the community,” said William T. Solomon. “The Dallas Opera has always stood as a beacon of artistic excellence in North Texas, and this challenge gift ensures it will thrive for generations to come.”

Thanks to a $7 million lead gift from The Eugene McDermott Foundation, along with other significant commitments, TDO has already secured $13 million toward the challenge goal. Once fully matched, the O’Donnell Foundation’s pledge will more than double TDO’s current $30 million endowment while also providing multi-year support for general operations.

This milestone follows a period of financial stabilization for the company.

A prior legacy gift from the estate of James R. Seitz, Jr. allowed TDO to retire pandemic-related debt and post consecutive budget surpluses in fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

All new and increased contributions to TDO will be eligible for the O’Donnell Foundation match, positioning the company for long-term artistic stability, expanded programming, and continued excellence in bringing world-class opera to North Texas.