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Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Inc

EIN 13-2628036 · New York, NY

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceStrong90 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Chamber Music Society's Mission is to stimulate and support the appreciation, performance, and composition of chamber music by presenting concerts for the public.

Income
$18.6 million
Spending
$13.1 million
Spent on programs
76%
Reserves
30.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 51%
Employees
38
Highest pay
$438,362, executive 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

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 86% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 30.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 30% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 21% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    76% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 22 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: 90 out of 100. Higher than 12% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    27 of 27 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

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • 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 (5)
  1. $5.3 million spent. Musical Performances: CMS annually produces an ambitious season of con certs in our two venues at Lincoln Center in New York, which were spe- cifically designed for the presentation of chamber music. The organiz- ation is comprised of a multi-generational and international roster of the finest chamber musicians, enabling us to present chamber music of every instrumentation, style, and period. Our concerts feature though- tfully curated performances of masterworks and important works by a diverse range of contemporary and living composers. CMS also conducts outreach to diverse audiences in New York City, and provide unpara- lelled career building opportunities for outstanding early-career musicians.
  2. $2.1 million spent. Touring: Each season CMS pursues a vigorous touring schedule across the United States, North and South America, Europe and Asia. While on tour our artists give master classes, coachings, and lectures for local students and audiences. In addition to long standing residencies CMS strives to bring chamber music to places where it is less common and strengthen interest where a tradition of chamber music already exists.
  3. $1.3 million spent. Education: Each year, thousands of children and adults participate in CMSs education and community engagement programs. For adults, we offer master classes, pre-concert composer talks, lectures on season repertoire, and entertaining program notes that enhance audience enjoyment. We also lead a competitive three-year residency program for early-career chamber musicians. Our youth initiatives include family concerts, a relaxed performance series for children who are neuro- diverse, and a classroom elementary school program that teaches music fundamentals, youth mentorship and performance training programs, and an open rehearsal series.
  4. $1.2 million spent. Digital & Streaming Performances.
  5. Expenses: $1179698.00 including grants of: $0.00 Revenue: $23557.00

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 October 13, 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 March 1969.

    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 October 21, 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.