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San Juan Symphony

EIN 23-7414147 · Durango, CO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood78 out of 100GovernanceGood76 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The San Juan Symphony is an innovative regional orchestra that contributes to the cultural enrichment of the diverse communities of the Four Corners area with inspiring live performances and creative, collaborative efforts.

Income
$648,020
Spending
$679,303
Spent on programs
78%
Reserves
4.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 60%
Employees
2
Volunteers
27
Highest pay
$65,000, 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

Good: 78 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.6 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 8% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 5% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 1% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    78% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 13 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

Good: 76 out of 100.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    12 of 12 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

    0 of 5

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

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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. $418,081 spent. Inclusive of the Nutcracker (5x), Subscription (8x), and Family concerts (2x), the full orchestra performed 15 concerts. The average attendance of a subscription weekend (both communities) is 800 x 4 = 3,600. Nutcracker is 4 shows at 600 = 2,400, and Family Concert is about 300 total. ORCHESTRA = 6,300
  2. $30,409 spent. San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestras: 75 student participants rehearsed weekly and performed once in November and once in April, plus a number performed alongside the SJS at the Side-by-Side concert. Approximately 1000 audience members were present across the three performances. Orff Music Camp/Piano Camp/Chamber Academy Camp in June had 150 student participants aged 5-18. Musically Speaking and Pre-Concert Lectures- (4 MS, 8 PC Lectures=12) Average 30 attendees per session. Adult education.
  3. $82,257 spent. Beyond the Concert Hall, Chamber Singers, and SJSYO are all factors. Chamber Music events included 1x Huber in Roshong (120), 2x String Quartet (120+200), and the 1x Dvorak Recital (120) = 560. Chamber Singers sold out 2x at 120 = 240. SJSYO had 2x 300 = 600. Majesty had 2x 125 = 250. Bach Festival has 100 for Lunch 5x = 500, plus Finale 125 1x = 125. Chamber Academy has 120x5 (30 students) = 560 (150 students). Coca-Cola free student seats in both communities = 20x4x2 = 160. APPROX ATTENDANCE: 2,835

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 April 1975.

    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.