Prince Makes Major Donations to New York City Institutions

Prince is stepping up as a major arts education philanthropist. Before the final show of his series of concerts at Madison Square Garden on Monday, the singer formally announced three large charitable donations – $1 million to the Harlem Children’s Zone, and $250,000 each to the American Ballet Theater and the Uptown Dance Academy’s educational programs.

Photos: Prince’s Welcome 2 America Tour at MSG

Prince had a particular interest in the American Ballet Theater due to his collaboration with Misty Copeland, a ABT soloist who danced in his music video for “Crimson and Clover” and on stage during performances of “The Beautiful Ones” at his recent run of shows in New York and New Jersey. According to ABT executive director Rachel Moore, Prince will be working with the institution to develop educational programs serving children from low-income families.

Prince targets arts education with $250,000 gift to American Ballet Theatre [L.A. Times]