The Atlanta Opera Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- It reported loans to or from officers, directors or other insiders.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
THE ATLANTA OPERA, ESTABLISHED IN 1979, REIMAGINES OPERA FOR A GLOBAL AUDIENCE. ROOTED IN ATLANTA'S VIBRANT CULTURAL LANDSCAPE, WE PUSH ARTISTIC BOUNDARIES TO DELIVER EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES, SOLIDIFYING OUR POSITION AS A DYNAMIC FORCE IN THE WORLD OR OPERA.
- Income
- $52.4 million
- Spending
- $17.8 million
- Spent on programs
- 82%
- Reserves
- 1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 91%
- Employees
- 215
- Volunteers
- 60
- Highest pay
- $582,521, general & artistic 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 49% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.0 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 8% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 66% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 248% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1582% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 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
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 12% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2542 of 42 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
10 of 10Gave 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
0 of 10Reports at least one of: diversion of assets, excess benefits, 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 (5)
- $12.6 million spent. TRANSFORMATIVE PRODUCTIONS: Since 2013, Tomer Zvulun's innovative and artistic vision has fueled a dramatic expansion of The Atlanta Opera's influence. Four powerful mainstage productions at the Cobb Energy Centre, alongside two immersive "Discoveries" operas staged throughout Atlanta, have shattered accessibility barriers and forged a deeper connection with the community resulting in over 48,000 tickets sold in fiscal year 2025.
- $863,861 spent. EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT: Reaching over 120,000 students across the Southeast, our Studio Tour offers impactful in-school performances and unique field trip experiences to final dress rehearsals. We strengthen community ties through engaging pre-show talks, stimulating panel discussions, and exciting pop-up concerts. Founded in 2022, our 96-Hour Opera Festival creates vital platforms for emerging composers and librettists fostering their career development
- $421,344 spent. RESIDENT ARTISTS: Since 2016, this program has been a vital springboard for emerging opera talent. We provide rigorous mentorship and expert collaboration, empowering early-career professionals to hone their skills and launch successful careers. Our alumni's achievements speak volumes, with many securing positions at prestigious opera houses worldwide, including The Met and the Paris Opera.
- $718,109 spent. CINEMATIC OPERA AND GLOBAL REACH
- OPERA RESOURCE SHARING
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 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 October 13, 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 June 2025.
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 November 1979.
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 October 21, 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.