Grand Rapids Symphony Society
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
TO SHARE GREAT MUSIC THAT MOVES THE HUMAN SOUL AND TO EXCEL AT PROVIDING DISTINCTIVE MUSICAL EXPERIENCES, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON LIVE ORCHESTRA MUSIC, FOR DIVERSE AUDIENCES THROUGHOUT WEST MICHIGAN.
- Income
- $9.9 million
- Spending
- $10.8 million
- Spent on programs
- 81%
- Reserves
- -5.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 77%
- Employees
- 246
- Volunteers
- 125
- Highest pay
- $113,749, president
Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 36 out of 100. Higher than 8% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
2 of 20It owes 88% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 10% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 3% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1581% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 11 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 49% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2546 of 48 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
0 of 10Did not give 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 August 31, 2024, 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)
- $7.5 million spent. THE GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY IS AN INTEGRAL AND INDISPENSABLE PART OF THE WEST MICHIGAN COMMUNITY. THE INSTITUTION HAS LONG BEEN AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE COMMUNITY, WITH MUSICAL EXCELLENCE, DIVERSE PROGRAMMING, COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT, AND A COMMITMENT TO LEARNING, ALL ADDING TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE WE ENJOY IN WEST MICHIGAN. EACH YEAR, THE SYMPHONY OFFERS A MAIN SEASON CONCERT SERIES AND A SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, REACHING APPROXIMATELY 200,000 PEOPLE THROUGH OVER 100 PERFORMANCES. DONATED SERVICES RELATED TO THIS PROGRAM FOR THE YEAR WERE 5,000. PARKING PASSES VALUED AT 225,016 WERE ALSO DONATED.
- $1.3 million spent. GATEWAY TO MUSIC IS THE GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY'S COLLECTION OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS THAT SERVE MORE THAN 75,000 PEOPLE EACH YEAR. GATEWAY TO MUSIC PROGRAMS ARE ORGANIZED BY FOUR DISCTINCT CATEGORIES: YOUTH EDUCATION, PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, AND ECONOMIC ACCESS. YOUTH EDUCATION: LOLLIPOPS CONCERT: DESIGNED FOR YOUNG CHILDREN & FAMILIES (PREK-1ST), THESE SHORT PERFORMANCES FEATURE A CONNECTION TO CHILDRENS STORIES AND INVOLVE OTHER ARTS - VISUAL, DANCE, THEATRE, ETC. -PERCUSSION DISCUSSION: GRS PERCUSSIONISTS JACK LATTA & DAVID HALL UTILIZE OVER 50 INSTRUMENTS TO ENGAGE STUDENTS (2ND-3RD) IN SOUND EXPLORATION, MOVEMENT, AND CRITICAL THINKING. -LINK UP: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CARNEGIE HALL, LINK UP ENCOMPASSES A CURRICULUM THAT DEVELOPS CONCEPTS, SKILLS, CREATIVITY, AND PREPARES STUDENTS (3RD-5TH) TO PERFORM WITH THE GRS IN A FREE CONCERT AT DEVOS PERFORMANCE HALL. -MASTERWORKS MATINEES: GEARED TOWARD STUDENT INSTRUMENTALISTS GRADES 6-12, THESE CONCERTS FEATURE APPROACHABLE REPERTOIRE AND ARE AT ST. CECILIA MUSIC CENTER. IT IS OUR HOPE THAT THIS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN A HISTORIC VENUE WILL INSPIRE YOUNG MUSICIANS. -ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE: THE AIR PROGRAM SUPPORTS PREK-5 MUSIC EDUCATION WITH INNOVATIVE EXPERIENCES. THIS PARTNERSHIP WITH SCHOOLS FEATURES EDUCATIONAL CONCERTS AND VISITS FROM GRS MUSICIANS. -MOSAIC SCHOLARSHIP: THIS PROGRAM IS FOR UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENT MUSICIANS GRADES 6-12 WHO WANT TO DEVELOP THEIR MUSICIANSHIP AND STUDY OF AN INSTRUMENT THROUGH PRIVATE LESSONS, WORKSHOPS, UNIQUE PERFORMANCES, AND BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH ONE ANOTHER. PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES: -GRAND RAPIDS YOUTH SYMPHONY: THE YOUTH SYMPHONY AND CLASSICAL ORCHESTRA ARE AUDITION-BASED YOUTH ORCHESTRAS THAT PERFORM THROUGHOUT THE ACADEMIC YEAR AND ENGAGE IN IN-DEPTH STUDY OF ORCHESTRAL REPERTOIRE. -GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY CHORUS: FOUNDED IN 1962, THE ALL-VOLUNTEER SYMPHONY CHORUS HAS A LONG HISTORY OF PERFORMING LARGE WORKS, INCLUDING BRAHMS REQUIEM, BEETHOVENS NINTH, AND ORFFS CARMINA BURANA. UNDER THE DIRECTION OF DR. PEARL SHANGKUAN, THIS 120-MEMBER ADULT ENSEMBLE HAS REACHED AN ADMIRABLE LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE. -GRS COMMUNITY CHORUS: UNDER THE DIRECTION OF DUANE DAVIS, THIS ENSEMBLE INVOLVES COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND IS FEATURED IN SYMPHONY WITH SOUL. THE GROUP PROUDLY REPRESENTS PEOPLE WITH DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS, TALENTS, AND ABILITIES. -SIDE BY SIDE CONCERTS: PARTICIPATING HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRAS & BANDS EXPERIENCE THE GRS BY REHEARSING AND PERFORMING ALONGSIDE THE ORCHESTRA IN A CONCERT AT THEIR SCHOOL. THIS ALSO INCORPORATES SECTIONALS OR MASTERCLASSES WITH GRS MUSICIANS AND A SHARED MEAL. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: -MUSIC FOR HEALTH: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LICENSED MUSIC THERAPISTS, GRS MUSICIANS PROVIDE THERAPEUTIC MUSIC IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS THAT HELP PATIENTS MANAGE STRESS, ALLEVIATE PAIN, IMPROVE COMMUNICATION, ENCOURAGE MOVEMENT AND ENHANCE MEMORY. -ACCESS TO MUSIC: THESE PERFORMANCES ARE IN A BARRIER-FREE ENVIRONMENT FOR AUDIENCES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS,SUCH AS SPECIAL EDUCATION AND SENIOR GROUPS. MUSIC THERAPISTS FACILITATE INTERVENTIONS THAT HELP AUDIENCE MEMBERS ENGAGE WITH MUSIC PLAYED BY THE ORCHESTRA. -FAMILY CONCERTS: DESIGNED TO INSPIRE FAMILY MEMBERS OF ALL AGES, THESE ONE-HOUR CONCERTS FEATURE A VARIETY OF MUSICAL STYLES & STORIES TO SHOW FAMILIES THAT MUSIC IS FOR EVERYONE. -INSTRUMENT DISCOVERY: THIS INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE OFFERS PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY INSTRUMENTS FROM THE ORCHESTRA (E.G., STRINGS, PERCUSSION). INSTRUMENT DISCOVERY IS TYPICALLY OFFERED AT FAMILY CONCERTS AND VARIOUS COMMUNITY EVENTS. -INSIDE THE MUSIC: FREE FOR ALL TICKET HOLDERS, THIS PROGRAM CREATES CONTEXT AND PROVIDES INSIGHT FROM MUSICIANS, CONDUCTORS, GUEST ARTISTS, ETC. THIS EXPERIENCE IS IDEAL FOR FIRST-TIME CONCERT-GOERS AND CONCERT AFICIONADOS ALIKE. -ONLINE LEARNING: THE ONLINE LEARNING SECTION OF THE GRS WEBSITE FEATURES FREE ORIGINAL CONTENT DEVELOPED FOR A BROAD COMMUNITY AUDIENCE. ECONOMIC ACCESS: -SYMPHONY SCORECARD: MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY RECEIVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE STATE OF MICHIGAN AND ACTIVE, GUARD, AND RESERVE MILITARY HOUSEHOLDS RECEIVE UP TO FOUR FREE TICKETS FOR SELECT GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY PERFORMANCES. -FUNDRAISING PARTNERSHIP: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS TO RECEIVE A PERCENTAGE OF EVERY TICKET SOLD VIA PROMO CODE. -RUSH TICKETS: AVAILABLE THREE HOURS BEFORE THE START OF THE CONCERT, THE RUSH TICKET PROGRAM ENABLES ANY STUDENT OR TEACHER TO PURCHASE 12 TICKETS TO GRS CONCERTS WITH A VALID I.D. -GROUP SALES: WE OFFER GROUP DISCOUNTS OF UP TO 20% OFF TICKETS FOR MOST CONCERTS. -SYMPHONY BROADCASTS: OUR FRIENDS AT BLUE LAKE PUBLIC RADIO BROADCAST ALL MASTERWORKS SERIES PERFORMANCES ON SUNDAYS AT 1:00PM. GATEWAY TO MUSIC IS THE GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY'S COLLECTION OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS THAT SERVE MORE THAN 75,000 PEOPLE EACH YEAR. GATEWAY TO MUSIC PROGRAMS ARE ORGANIZED BY FOUR DISCTINCT CATEGORIES: YOUTH EDUCATION, PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, AND ECONOMIC ACCESS. YOUTH EDUCATION: LOLLIPOPS CONCERT: DESIGNED FOR YOUNG CHILDREN & FAMILIES (PREK-1ST), THESE SHORT PERFORMANCES FEATURE A CONNECTION TO CHILDRENS STORIES AND INVOLVE OTHER ARTS - VISUAL, DANCE, THEATRE, ETC. -PERCUSSION DISCUSSION: GRS PERCUSSIONISTS JACK LATTA & DAVID HALL UTILIZE OVER 50 INSTRUMENTS TO ENGAGE STUDENTS (2ND-3RD) IN SOUND EXPLORATION, MOVEMENT, AND CRITICAL THINKING. -LINK UP: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CARNEGIE HALL, LINK UP ENCOMPASSES A CURRICULUM THAT DEVELOPS CONCEPTS, SKILLS, CREATIVITY, AND PREPARES STUDENTS (3RD-5TH) TO PERFORM WITH THE GRS IN A FREE CONCERT AT DEVOS PERFORMANCE HALL. -MASTERWORKS MATINEES: GEARED TOWARD STUDENT INSTRUMENTALISTS GRADES 6-12, THESE CONCERTS FEATURE APPROACHABLE REPERTOIRE AND ARE AT ST. CECILIA MUSIC CENTER. IT IS OUR HOPE THAT THIS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN A HISTORIC VENUE WILL INSPIRE YOUNG MUSICIANS. -ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE: THE AIR PROGRAM SUPPORTS PREK-5 MUSIC EDUCATION WITH
Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2024, 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 August 2024.
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 October 1942.
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.