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Sarasota Ballet of Florida Inc

EIN 65-0135900 · Sarasota, FL

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong96 out of 100GovernanceStrong90 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Mission of the Sarasota Ballet of Florida is to enrich lives, captivate emotions and strengthen the community through the art of dance.

Income
$15.9 million
Spending
$10.9 million
Spent on programs
81%
Reserves
15.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 75%
Employees
135
Volunteers
175
Highest pay
$261,039, director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 96 out of 100. Higher than 84% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 15.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 19% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 31% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 55% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    81% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 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 25

    21 of 21 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a 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

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 May 31, 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 (3)
  1. $6.9 million spent. The Sarasota Ballet's expansive repertoire, coupled with the athleticism and artistry of the Company's dancers, has brought the Company national and international acclaim. The repertoire includes works by some of the greatest choreographers in the dance world, such as Sir Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, Antony Tudor, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, Paul Taylor, and Sir David Bintley to name a few. In addition, The Sarasota Ballet has continued to push the art form forward through commissioning new works, from both budding choreographers within the Company and established choreographers around the globe.
  2. $1.4 million spent. The Education department provides dance opportunities for all ages and abilities. The Sarasota Ballet School offers a high quality dance education for children 3 and above. We foster an environment that enables children to learn ballet correctly and safely, develop confidence and we pride ourselves on celebrating each student's individuality. The Margaret Barbieri Conservatory is a pre-professional program for students ages 12 and above to audition, and upon acceptance, receive the highest quality of dance education. The curriculum includes classical technique, pointe, contemporary, variations, repertoire, and conditioning. The Summer Intensive is specifically designed to develop young dancers technique alongside artistry. Students ages 11-21 audition to attend up to five weeks of rigorous dance training in Sarasota each summer.
  3. $542,772 spent. The Sarasota Ballet believes dance is for everyone and takes pride in making dance accessible to all through our Community Engagement programs. Dance The Next Generation (DNG) was established over 30 years ago and provides equitable access to quality dance education by offering a comprehensive tuition-free dance program to 3-12 graders from underrepresented areas. Through diversified dance offerings, progressing enrichment activities, and ever-increasing community partnerships, DNG students receive a complete 10 year dance experience that supports education, community, and academic excellence for each student. Additionally, our other Community Engagement programs provide access and opportunity for those 5 to 95 to explore and experience the world of dance. Focusing on youth, adaptive, and community, they offer complimentary and low cost programs such as school performances and programs, Joyful Movement Through Parkinson's, Silver Swans, and community experiences.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 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 October 13, 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 May 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 January 1990.

    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 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.