Founded in 1957, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal (GBCM) is a ballet company that performs both classical ballets and explores new forms and variations of ballet. GBCM performs in Canada and around the world. Ivan Cavallari is the current Artistic Director. Besides its main ballet, GBCM also runs dance classes and workshops through Les Studios, and promotes dance/movement therapy through its National Centre for Dance Therapy. The charity does not provide a breakdown of its spending on its programs.

The ballet had 31 performances of three different shows in Montreal for 68,685 people. The shows had an occupancy rate of 76%. The ballet also toured in Barcelona, Lanaudière, and Quebec City for 20,528 spectators.

GBCM's Les Studios program offers dance, fitness and adapted dance classes to the public. Current or former dancers of Les Grands Ballets teach the classes. Les Studios had 163 classes and workshops with 1,932 participants in F2020.

The National Centre for Dance Therapy (NCDT) is a division of GBCM that uses dance to improve a person’s well-being. In F2020, NCDT offered nine adapted dance courses, one two-day camp, and six webinars. Three free in-studio classes were also provided for young people with autism. In total, the charity reports 700 people participated in the program. The program also offers training opportunities for those wishing to become certified dance therapists. 18 people participated in the training in F2020.

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal reports it also aims to make dance accessible. In F2020, 2,800 sick or low-income children were able to see an educational performance of The Nutcracker.

The financial analysis reflects the consolidated financial position of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal and The Endowment fund of Les Grand Ballets Canadiens. The Endowment Fund's audited financial statements are not posted on its website nor provided when requested. Charity Intelligence's financial review uses the 2019 audited financial statements provided from the CRA and the charity’s most recent T3010 filing. 

GBCM has donations of $2.8m in F2020. The charity received $6.4m in government funding, representing 71% of total revenues. Administrative costs are 16% of revenues (less investment income) and fundraising costs are 61% of donations. This results in total overhead spending of 77%. For every dollar donated, 23 cents go to the cause. This is outside of Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

GBCM has $30.1m in net funding reserves. The charity could cover 294% or almost three years of annual program costs with current reserves. The Endowment Fund’s $39.1m in funding reserves earned an investment loss of $9.5m in F2020. This represents an annual return on investment of -17% compared with investment returns of less than 1% in F2019.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming. 

Updated on August 24, 2021 by Brenleigh Jebb.