Tennessee Music Education Association
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The purpose of the organization is for educational purposes only by promoting the study of instrumental music through band and orchestra programs in the public and private schools of Middle Tennessee, and the continuation of those studies at the College and University level.
- Income
- $273,569
- Spending
- $263,291
- Spent on programs
- 77%
- Reserves
- 4.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 68%
- Employees
- 0
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: 80 out of 100. Higher than 53% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 4.7 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 4% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1577% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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
Weak: 48 out of 100. Higher than 17% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 25285 of 298 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no 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
0 of 10Did not give 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 (4)
- $96,384 spent. Hosting the All-Mid-State Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra clinic. Over 3,000 students audition to earn a place in one of 12 honor ensembles, then gather for a weekend-long event with notable guest conductors from around the country to prepare and perform a concert. These students are then selected and/or audition to participate in one of 5 All-State honor ensembles along with the top musicians from throughout the entire state of Tennessee for a weekend-long event with notable guest conductors from around the county to prepare and perform a concert.
- $73,445 spent. Hosting a large ensemble Concert Performance Assessment for bands and orchestras. Over 140 school ensembles participate in this event, the primary evaluation of teaching and learning for instrumental programs each school year.
- $30,088 spent. Hosting eight different Solo and Ensemble Performance Assessment events throughout the year for individual student and small group evaluations.
- $2,400 spent. Two scholarships are granted each year to two outstanding students selected by an application and review process. One scholarship is for an Outstanding Musician in the amount of $1600. The other is for an Outstanding Student Leader in the amount of $800. The funds are paid directly to the University the students have enrolled in.
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? Worth knowing.
Not individually listed by the IRS as eligible, which is usual for local chapters covered by a parent organization's exemption. The master file records contributions to it as deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 August 2014.
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.