Spokane Symphony Associates
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Spokane Symphony Associates organization (SSA) believes that having a symphony orchestra in Spokane enhances the quality of life in the community. We also believe that a volunteer organization is necessary to ensure the growth and vitality of a symphony orchestra. To this end, SSA exists to provide, through its own activities, financial and volunteer support for the Spokane Symphony. In addition, the organization provides educational and involvement opportunities for the community. SSA is unique in these services.
- Income
- $701,952
- Spending
- $665,478
- Spent on programs
- 83%
- Reserves
- 2.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- other income, 65%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 1,026
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: 75 out of 100. Higher than 48% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 6% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 5% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 11% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1583% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 29 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: 75 out of 100. Higher than 52% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 2517 of 17 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no 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.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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)
- $550,296 spent. The vision of Spokane Symphony Associates is "A thriving symphony for Spokane to enjoy for generations." Thus, over the past 43 years, our goal, as an all-volunteer organization, is to raise funds through our various events to help support our symphony.Christmas Tree Elegance is our largest fund raiser. It has grown in 43 years, from an initial six raffled trees with prize packages, to currently featuring 15-16 trees. The value of each, with its accompanying prize package, should not exceed $4,999 in overall value. (Continued on Schedule O)As the "kick-off" of the holiday season, with the continuing support from our community, it has been producing over-the-top, generally appealing, and diverse selection of raffle trees. However, our success has also been keeping the raffle tickets at $1.00-within anyone's reach. Meeting the winners each year makes all the volunteer hours expended worthwhile.While each of the Chapters of the organization, does have a fund raiser, the second largest would-be Upscale Sale. Item donations from people downsizing, moving, estates etc. are received, stored for the once-a-year sale. This sale is widely supported and sought out by many in the community, and after expenses, as with Christmas Tree Elegance, a donation is made to help support the Spokane Symphony.
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 February 2004.
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.