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Music in the Vineyards Inc

EIN 68-0358441 · Napa, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair58 out of 100GovernanceGood81 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To present a world class chamber music festival in the Napa Valley.

Income
$880,013
Spending
$827,161
Spent on programs
62%
Reserves
-0.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 68%
Employees
6
Volunteers
34
Highest pay
$148,858, executive dir.

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

Financial health

Fair: 58 out of 100. Higher than 26% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    0 of 35

    Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 6% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 15% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    62% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 24 cents.

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

Governance

Good: 81 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 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

    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 October 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 (2)
  1. $495,512 spent. Music in the Vineyards Annual Chamber Music Festival: 2024 was the 30th anniversary season of Music in the Vineyards, a nationally acclaimed chamber music festival held each August in the Napa Valley. We present world-class international artists-in-residence performing new and classic chamber music in unique winery spaces. We work in cooperative partnerships with the Napa Vintners Community who generously donate their spaces and wine for the concerts. This combination allows artists and audiences alike to experience the intimacy of chamber music as it was intended to be enjoyed. Our programming continues to balance traditional classical favorites works while also championing the works of underrepresented composers and contemporary pieces. The 2024 festival featured 16 concerts, including a family-friendly performance at Napa First Presbyterian, a silent film with live music, and a fund-raising Gala. In addition, there were two Music Illuminated events featuring live music with commentary. Approximately 1800 tickets were sold for ticketed concerts with approximately 2500 in attendance across all events. 47.5% of our patrons are from the Napa Valley and 29% from the surrounding Bay Area.
  2. $19,203 spent. Echo in the Vineyards Music in the Vineyards Education and Community Engagement Program: As part of our mission, Music in the Vineyards is dedicated to providing musical experiences to people of all ages and walks of life. In addition to our regular festival concerts we also offer the following opportunities to engage with music here in the Napa Valley. Founded in 2018, our Fellowship String Quartet Program receives extensive mentorship and performance opportunities as well as experience with community engagement. This pre-professional ensemble offers interactive performances in retirement communities; Boys and Girls Clubs; workshops with Napa's high school music students; and free performances in public spaces. Over their three week residency, 2024 featured 7 performances (in addition to winery concerts), with an attendance of approximately 450 seniors, children and students. MITVs additional 2024 community activities included a Play-Along concert for families; free open rehearsals; and a collaboration with the NVYS funding private instrument lessons.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending October 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending October 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since September 1996.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.