An undeniable part of any artistic project is amassing funding—a necessary step that many choreographers dread. But a fundraising event doesn’t have to be a sing-for-your-supper experience or a night of awkward networking.

Over the past three years, most dance organizations have faced major challenges—at times, existential ones—but against these odds, a few organizations are doing better than ever, thanks to innovative partnerships, new business models, increased commitments by funders to artists and communities of color, or some combination thereof.