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Mainly Mozart Inc

EIN 33-0320305 · San Diego, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak33 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

Points to look into

  • It owes more than it owns.

These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.

What it says it does

Bring together world-class musicians from across North America for classical and innovative musicalprograms and ensure the preservation andappreciation of classical music by giving young musicians the opportunity to learn and perform together.

Income
$2.3 million
Spending
$2.3 million
Spent on programs
87%
Reserves
-3 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 64%
Employees
17
Volunteers
100
Highest pay
$263,782, ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 33 out of 100. Higher than 5% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    0 of 20

    It owes 176% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 1% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 7% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    87% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    21 of 19 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

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 August 31, 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. $1.4 million spent. All Star Orchestra Festival The annual All Star Orchestra Festival is the largest Mozart festival in North America, assembling the nations greatest concertmasters and principal players unique in North America. Two weeks of dynamic performances, free community events, and an autistic artist residency elevate San Diegos reputation as a cultural hub. Mainly Mozart leads in accessibility, distributing 1,500 free or deeply discounted tickets in 2025 to students, military, educators, low-income residents, and autism partners, expanding access for all.
  2. $378,116 spent. Education and Outreach The Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra serves 350 students, providing high-level musical training, teamwork, and leadership development, guided by professional instructors and national symphony mentors. The program uniquely integrates neuro divergent and differently-abled students into ensembles, fostering inclusion. In 2025, MMYO reached about 3,500 people through concerts at retirement centers and community venues, while strengthening partnerships with local schools and music organizations to broaden its generational impact.
  3. $228,586 spent. Innovative programming designed to celebrate the creativity of Mozart The Savor Every Note chamber music series is a unique sensory experience bringing together world class musicwith curated culinary pairings. Members of the All Star Orchestra perform chamber music in an intimate setting at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club for three concerts. Through Club Amadeus, private in-home chamber music concerts allow classical music enthusiasts to experience chamber music in the setting it was originally meant to be played. Also, since 2015, Mainly Mozart has celebrated and recognized Genius in the Spirit of Mozart by hosting a Genius Award Dinner and Concert. Each year, the honoree is chosen based on significant achievements and impact in the scientific and technology industry. The evening celebrates the honorees innovative genius while also highlighting the genius of world-class classical musicians.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending August 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since August 1994.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.