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Boston Philharmonic Orchestra Corporation

EIN 04-2678312 · Boston, MA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood81 out of 100GovernanceStrong95 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The BPO was formed in 1979 to provide opportunities for an evolving community of amateur student and professional players to perform together present challenging classical repertoire & enhance the publics awareness & understanding of this music. Through its recordings pre-concert lectures and affordable concert tickets the BPO seeks to reduce boundaries between audiences and the music itself.

Income
$3.5 million
Spending
$3.3 million
Spent on programs
89%
Reserves
3.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 86%
Employees
187
Volunteers
0
Highest pay
$110,725, managing director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 81 out of 100. Higher than 62% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 23% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 6% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 4% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    88% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 95 out of 100. Higher than 61% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    12 of 13 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $1.4 million spent. Boston Philharmonic Orchestra BPO: The BPO is committed to bringing passionate music-making to the world. The members of the BPO are a unique blend of professional amateur and student musicians. Through probing innovative performances of the highest quality carefully designed programs informative and intelligent program notes and pre-concert lectures that heighten participation the BPO reaches to the heart of great music to offer an expansive enriching experience for players and audiences alike.
  2. $1.4 million spent. Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra BPYO: During the year ended June 30 2013 the BPO founded the BPYO. With a mission of "shaping future leaders through music" the tuition-free BPYO provides a unique opportunity for accomplished young musicians ages 12-21 to study great orchestral repertoire in a musically dynamic and intellectually challenging community. BPYO members are asked to not only master their parts and to gain a deep understanding of the musical score through regular sectional rehearsals but also to engage in dialogue with Mr. Zander founder and conductor on all aspects of the music and the rehearsal process. In addition to frequent performances in Bostons Symphony Hall the BPYO tours annually and has performed in Carnegie Hall and throughout Europe Mexico and South America.
  3. $61,734 spent. Education & Community Engagement programs: The BPO offers a number of Interpretation Classes throughout the year on Saturday mornings at the Boston Public Library. Mr. Zanders famed communication skills & lifetime immersion in all aspects of musical performance help him be a transformative musical coach guiding & inspiring highly accomplished young musicians who live or study in the Boston area to a deeper understanding of what the music is actually asking of the performer & how to communicate that with the greatest intensity & authenticity to the audience. These classes are free & open to the general public. Also included in this initiative is the Benjamin Zander Center an initiative dedicated to capturing the impactful legacy of the BPOs founder. Through an innovative web portal a record label Brattle Media & other special projects the Centers mission is to bring the transformative power of Mr. Zanders teachings to a global audience.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since August 1979.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.