California Music Educators Association
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
The purposes of the association are: (1) to promote access to a sequential music education for all Pre-K through Grade 12 students taught by fully qualified music educators; (2) to support and improve existing music programs; (3) to promote quality pre-service and in-service music teacher preparation programs; and, (4) to create a greater awareness of the value of music education through partnerships with other associations and advocacy among state and local agencies.
- Income
- $169,500
- Spending
- $174,186
- Highest pay
- $26,833, executive admin
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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 June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)
- $15,187 spent. Music newsletter and website support: Magazine is published four times per year and digitally distributed to all CMEA members and publicly posted on the CMEA website. Included in the magazine are articles with teaching tips and state and national advocacy updates. There are also articles written by members of the Council of Representatives which focus on specific areas of music education, such as band, orchestra, choir, elementary music, etc.
- $33,236 spent. Concerts: These can be sponsored by way of monetary support, and also a part of advocacy efforts. Student musician participants in the California State Festivals and other performing groups show the power and importance of music in our public schools.
- $14,538 spent. Music conferences and conventions: CMEA collaborates with other state music organizations to hold a mass conference for music educators. The conference includes professional development sessions, music performances, an exhibit hall for industry and institution organizations involved in music education, and more.
- $4,720 spent. Achievement Awards: CMEA gives awards to music educators and supporters of music education on an annual basis.
- $7,817 spent. Advocacy: CMEA advocates at the state level for support for music education in the state of California. They also support the Music and Arts Education Advocacy Day held in Sacramento each year to visit state legislators.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. 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)(6) business league.
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? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(6) business league as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since June 1971.
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.