S E M Ensemble Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To provide contemporary music to Europe and United States audiences based upon a unique and innovative platform and forum.
- Income
- $163,775
- Spending
- $163,764
- Reserves
- 8.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 59%
- Highest pay
- $22,000, coordinator
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 86 out of 100.
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 8.2 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 0% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending August 31, 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 (1)
- Since its inception in 1970, the mission of the S.E.M. Ensemble has been to perform and produce concerts of artistically demanding and adventurous music. The ensemble's focus has always been on compositions that have been neglected by the mainstream music world: music that makes an impact on composition and performance, by composers whose voices deserve to be heard. SEM's commitment to artistically demanding work has been constant since its founding. Composers such as John Cage, Julius Eastman, Morton Feldman, Pauline Oliveros, Earle Brown, Roscoe Mitchell, Muhal Richard Abrams, and Christian Wolff have all worked with the ensemble. SEM also regularly performs works by younger emerging composers from around the world. Programs consistent with SEM's mission - and the excellence of their musical execution - have helped the ensemble succeed throughout its 50 years of existence. SEM performs a yearly series at Paula Cooper Gallery in Manhattan and at its own space, Willow Place Auditorium in Brooklyn Heights. Major concerts are produced at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, Bohemian National Hall, and Roulette. SEM also tours annually in Europe. Since 2001, the S.E.M. Ensemble has been working with the Ostrava Center for New Music (Czech Republic) in producing concerts in New York and in Europe (biennial Ostrava Days Institute and Festival; biennial NODO festival). SEM actively seeks out works by emerging composers from countries that are often marginalized musically, and brings these unique voices to New York audiences, further diversifying the musical culture of the city. Recordings are available on Asphodel Ltd. (San Francisco), Dog W/A Bone (New York), frozen reeds (Finland), Mode (New York), and Wergo (Germany).
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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 September 7, 2026.
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 September 30, 2026.
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 September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending August 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since November 1973.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
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 7, 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.