Northern Kentucky Symphony Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
TO CULTURALLY ENRICH, EDUCATE AND ENTERTAIN THE RESIDENTS OF NORTHERN KENTUCKY AND GREATER CINCINNATI THROUGH UNIQUE AND THEMATIC PERFORMANCES DESIGNED TO MAKE SYMPHONIC MUSIC ATTRACTIVE, ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE.
- Income
- $649,528
- Spending
- $646,685
- Spent on programs
- 88%
- Reserves
- 10.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 68%
- Employees
- 3
- Volunteers
- 71
- Highest pay
- $167,110, ex dir (ex-offico)
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: 85 out of 100.
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 10.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 14% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 0% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 3% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1588% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 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 258 of 8 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 (5)
- $180,794 spent. KSO Summer Park Series includes six free outdoor programs performed in the picturesque and relaxed setting of Covington, Kys Devou Park, and Fort Thomas, Kys Tower Park, from July through September. These casual concerts welcome families and individual of all socio- economic backgrounds. Seniors and those wishing to avoid crowds are invited to attend each morning dress rehearsal. Admission and parking are free. The 2024 Summer concerts reached approximately 15,550 area residents in-person and virtually.
- $271,814 spent. The Subscription Series concerts spanned from October through May, and featured five attractive, accessible and affordable symphonic programs offered in venues throughout N KY and SW Ohio to an audience of 2,502 people. These concerts are the sole source of earned ticket revenues (prices range from $9.50 to $35). Subscription Series concerts showcase the orchestras most musically challenging and aesthetically creative performances, and remains the basis for program structure, artistic development and musical growth.
- $104,949 spent. This season the KSOs education efforts, reached 4,007 Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati students and their teachers, grade 3 -12 from 136 schools (42 public, private, parochial and 94 home schools/cooperatives). 52% of participants were considered economically disadvantaged. These free programs introduce and showcase symphony music and its derivatives and help fill gaps left in many schools curriculums. For 30 years the KSO has provided engaging programs teachers say they need to help their students succeed.
- $9,025 spent. 3,650 people reached, excluding the KSO Brass Quintets National Anthem performance for the Cincinnati Reds game.
- 3,650 people reached, excluding the KSO Brass Quintets National Anthem performance 9025. 0. 16825.
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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 1987.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.