The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation in New York City has announced the inaugural round of grants through its Leadership Grants Program for Dance to organizations that have demonstrated excellence in and a sustained commitment to the field of dance.

Eighteen companies and presenters will receive a total of $7.3 million through the program, which was established to respond to changes and challenges presented by the ongoing evolution of the dance field. Grants of $200,000 each were awarded to seven small organizations, while one midsize organization will receive a grant of $400,000 and nine large organizations will receive grants of $500,000 over a period of up to four years. In addition, a single $1 million grant was awarded to the Mark Morris Dance Group in recognition of the company's excellence and efforts in the areas of education and outreach, including a program for patients with Parkinson's disease, while the foundation also offered several organizations grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 in support of their long-term strategic planning efforts.

"These grants support dance companies and dance presenters that have been leaders, both artistically and organizationally, thinking creatively about reaching audiences in exciting new ways," said Ben Cameron, the foundation's program director for the arts. "We are honored to support their work with these flexible grants, designed to help them achieve their self-defined, long-term."

For a complete list of grant recipients, visit the DDCF website.