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Heartland Chamber Music Ltd

EIN 48-1248171 · Kansas City, MO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceFair61 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The mission of Heartland Chamber Music (HCM) is to connect, engage, and inspire all ages and backgrounds throught a lifetime of music education and performance

Income
$277,480
Spending
$262,792
Spent on programs
79%
Reserves
2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 54%
Employees
16
Volunteers
30
Highest pay
$54,167, executive director

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: 75 out of 100. Higher than 37% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 5% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 2% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    79% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 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

Fair: 61 out of 100. Higher than 34% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed 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 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 (1)
  1. $207,143 spent. The organization advanced its mission of providing exceptional music education and performance opportunities through four integrated programs: the Heartland Chamber Music Festival, String Sprouts, and tue Year-Round Chamber Music. The Heartland Chamber Music Festival, presented in collaboration with the Midwest Trust Center, was held July 26 through August 3. With 15 esteemed faculty members, the Festival welcomed more than 80 students ranging in age from 7 to 50 and representing diverse geographic regions across the United States. The Miami Quartet served as artists in residence. Eight highly gifted students the Festival Scholars received full scholarships to the Festival, and an additional 10 students were invited to perform in the Camerata Orchestra. These students also performed on Kansas Public Radio, further amplifying their exposure and celebrating their achievements. More than 30 additional students received need- and merit-based financial aid to attend the Festival. String Sprouts continued its mission of providing free instruments and lessons to underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to music education. Operating across six metropolitan-area sites including partnerships with the Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri public school districts as well as El Centro Academy Sprouts served 50 students and their caregivers. Through the Kansas City Public Schools partnership, 50 students participated in twice-weekly classes during the school day. Over the course of the year, students collectively learned 42 pieces of music, demonstrating their progress and dedication. Quarterly Sprouting Up ceremonies featured 20 guest performances by 15 musicians from the Kansas City Symphony, captivating approximately 200 attendees. The Sprouts & Symphony concert paired 45 Sprouts with the UMKC Conservatory Orchestra before an audience of more than 300. At the annual Stringfest fundraiser, 10 students performed for an audience exceeding 130, and 42 Sprouts participated in four Kansas City Symphony Edward Jones Holiday concerts, enriching the community with their performances. The Year-Round Chamber Music programs continued to provide rigorous training, coaching, and performance opportunities to students throughout the region, complementing the Festival and Sprouts in fulfilling the organizations year-round educational mission.

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

  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 October 13, 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 November 6, 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 October 13, 2026.

  4. 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 October 13, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since November 2001.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.