Whitefish Songwriter Festival
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Celebrate the art of songwriting by bringing world-class songwriters to Whitefish to share a behind-the-scenes look at their stories through intimate live performances. Cultivate arts culture and opportunity for local youth through festival-based education classes songwriting mentorship programs and scholarship-supported access. Enrich downtown Whitefish and drive economic prosperity by attracting regional and national audiences strengthening shoulder-season tourism and positioning the Flathead Valley as the perfect music destination.
- Income
- $110,923
- Spending
- $101,543
- Reserves
- 1.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 61%
- Highest pay
- $20,000, treasurer
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 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 (2)
- $97,642 spent. The organizations primary program services center on the Whitefish Songwriter Festival and related initiatives that promote original music support professional songwriters and enrich the cultural life of the Whitefish community through accessible live performances and educational programming. The Whitefish Songwriter Festival is a multi-day live music event that presents nationally and regionally recognized professional songwriters performing original works in intimate listening-room environments at local venues. The program provides residents and visitors with access to high-quality live music while highlighting the craft of songwriting and storytelling. During the reporting year the festival presented approximately 20 performances featuring 25 professional songwriters and served an estimated audience of approximately 500514 attendees. Programming included curated songwriter rounds featured performances and collaborative showcases designed to foster meaningful connections between artists and audiences. In addition to live performances the organization provides direct artist support and professional development opportunities. Participating songwriters receive stipends assistance with travel coordination promotional exposure and access to professional networking opportunities. These services are designed to sustain independent artists expand audience reach and support the creation and performance of original music. During the reporting year approximately 25 artists received direct financial or professional support. The organization also conducts community engagement and music education outreach. This programming includes workshops songwriter discussions and educational sessions accessible to students emerging musicians and the general public. Activities focus on creativity songwriting and the artistic process with the goal of increasing access to arts education and encouraging participation in music and cultural experiences. Approximately 500 individuals participated in educational or outreach activities during the reporting year. The festival further contributes to the economic vitality and cultural development of downtown Whitefish by activating local venues including restaurants lodging properties and performance spaces. Festival programming attracts residents and visitors to the area increases foot traffic and encourages extended stays thereby supporting local businesses and tourism. During the reporting year festival activities brought an estimated 500+ attendees to downtown Whitefish benefiting the local economy while fostering community connection and civic pride. All program services advance the organizations charitable mission to support working songwriters promote original music and expand public access to high-quality cultural experiences.
- The Whitefish Songwriter Festival June Showcase Preview is a live music event designed to introduce the community to the artists and programming featured in the annual September festival. This event provides audiences with an early opportunity to experience performances by professional songwriters in an intimate listening-room setting offering a sneak preview of the quality and style of music showcased during the full festival. The June Showcase Preview supports the organizations mission by promoting original music building audience engagement and increasing awareness of the September festival. The event also provides participating artists with additional performance opportunities and exposure while fostering connections between artists and the community. Through this preview programming the organization strengthens audience development enhances cultural participation and sustains interest in its annual multi-day festival.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 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 December 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 January 2025.
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.