Music in Urban Schools Inspiring Change
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
MUSIC Inc provides tuition-free music programs for elementary and middle school students on Chicagos west side communities Our programming is offered during after-school hours and during the school day We serve 70 students ages 7 through 18 providing 2-4 hours of programming weekly providing every student with an instrument and supplies MUSIC Incs dual-emphasis on music and mentorship supports students success throughout childhood and adolescence Currently the organization provides 70 students with music education and mentorship through a continuum of programs across programming sites in Chicagos West Side In total MUSIC Inc engages 250 people each year including music students parents families and audiences attending concert
- Income
- $103,965
- Spending
- $115,726
- Reserves
- 1.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Highest pay
- $37,414, executive director
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 34 out of 100. Higher than 10% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.2 months of spending.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 50% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 11% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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, 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 (3)
- $70,000 spent. St Agatha Community Center Music Program offers 55 students ages 7 -18 free lessons on their chosen instrument youth orchestra program and piano class fro 35 weeks during the year All students receive an instrument and all learning materials for free
- Summer Programs
- $6,000 spent. St. Angela Catholic School Music Lesson Program offers 12 students ages 7-10 free lessons on their chosen instrument for 28 weeks during the year All students receive an instrument and all learning materials
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 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 October 13, 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 November 6, 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 October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since July 2014.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 November 4, 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.