San Diego Youth Symphony
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Since 1945, San Diego Youth Symphony (SDYS) has served as a catalyst for investing in the future of young people through joyful and transformative music-making experiences. We reach over 2,500 students and families annually throughout San Diego County through our ensemble, early childhood, and community engagement programs.Mission: SDYS instills excellence in musical achievement and personal growth through rigorous and inspiring music education experiences.Vision: Lives enriched by music.Values: Commitment, Creativity, Equity, Collaboration, Service
- Income
- $2.2 million
- Spending
- $3.2 million
- Spent on programs
- 67%
- Reserves
- 2.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 45%
- Employees
- 93
- Volunteers
- 52
- Highest pay
- $155,245, ceo
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
Fair: 50 out of 100.
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.8 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 8% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 43% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 12% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1567% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 32 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: 100 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2515 of 15 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (1)
- $2.1 million spent. San Diego Youth Symphony (SDYS)For eighty years, San Diego Youth Symphony has offered youth orchestra programs in Balboa Park for young musicians at every level. Today, SDYS features 15 ensembles serving over 500 students, spanning from beginner to advanced and culminating in our flagship Symphony Orchestra. Students rehearse weekly from September through May, performing in concerts each January and May. Through this program, young people develop artistry, discipline, and lifelong friendships in one of San Diego's most beloved cultural settings. SDYS is committed to expanding access to these programs, and currently provides tuition assistance or scholarships to nearly 20% of participants.The Opus Project and Community ProgramsLaunched in 2010, the Opus Project brings free, high-quality instrumental music instruction to students who might not otherwise have access, partnering with elementary school districts to provide in-school music education rooted in a belief that every child deserves to experience the power of music. Today, the Opus Project operates in Chula Vista and Santee, continuing to serve young musicians and their families. Beyond Opus, SDYS supports music education efforts in additional schools across San Diego County through community partnerships, providing on-site instruction and program support to extend our mission into more neighborhoods and communities.Early Childhood ProgramsSDYS supports the earliest phase of children's musical development through two programs designed for young learners and their families. ChIMES serves children from birth through age five, using ensemble-based learning to promote pro-social skills, speech and language development, and early school preparation. In addition to parent-child classes, ChIMES has expanded into classrooms in the Chula Vista Elementary School District and library partnerships throughout the county. Music Discovery builds on that foundation for children ages 57, introducing them to the instrument families of the orchestra and preparing them for the exciting step into an SDYS ensemble. Together, these programs ensure that children from all backgrounds have access to joyful and transformative music-making experiences from the very start.
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
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 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 May 1975.
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.