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Youth Orchestras of Fresno

EIN 77-0410410 · Fresno, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood85 out of 100GovernanceGood84 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

We cultivate musical excellence and a spirit of cooperation in young musicians throughout California's Central Valley. We are committed to principles of access and excellence, and strive for comprehensive inclusiveness. We approach racial and cultural equity by providing resources that allow and encourage young musicians to participate on an equitable footing with one another. We seek to privilege all youth equally.

Income
$997,742
Spending
$910,064
Spent on programs
95%
Reserves
4.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 46%
Employees
24
Highest pay
$70,000, executive dir.

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: 85 out of 100. Higher than 63% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 12% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 9% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 55% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    95% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Good: 84 out of 100. Higher than 70% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    13 of 14 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

    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

    10 of 10

    Gave 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 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. $866,318 spent. During the fiscal year, the Youth Orchestras of Fresno (YOOF) continued its mission to provide high-quality orchestral training and performance opportunities to young musicians throughout the Central Valley.YOOF offered comprehensive weekly rehearsals and sectional coaching for students in grades K12, serving a broad range of skill levels from beginning string players to advanced pre-professional musicians. Through a structured ensemble-based curriculum, students developed technical proficiency, music literacy, discipline, leadership skills, and collaborative artistry.Students were provided with enrichment opportunities beyond weekly rehearsals, including participation in the Cello Festival and the Violin and Viola Festival at Fresno State University. These experiences connected YOOF musicians with collegiate faculty and peers from across the region, fostering artistic growth and mentorship. YOOF also hosted master classes led by distinguished guest artists, offering students direct instruction from professional performers and educators.YOOF maintained active collaboration with local schools, arts organizations, and community partners to expand access to music education and increase community engagement. These partnerships strengthened arts education infrastructure in the region and provided students with additional performance and learning opportunities.During the regular concert season, YOOF presented four public performances, showcasing student achievement and providing the community with access to high-quality live orchestral music. These concerts served families, educators, and the broader public while giving students meaningful performance experience in professional venues.In addition to the regular season, YOOF hosted the FOOSA (Fresno Orchestra Summer Academy) summer festival in partnership with Fresno State University. FOOSA is a two-week international intensive music camp serving students ages 636. Participants enroll in one of three ability-based programs and receive daily private lessons, ensemble rehearsals, sectional coachings, and master classes. Students also participate in chamber music, student recitals, and large ensemble performances. The program brings together local, national, and international faculty and students, enriching the cultural and educational landscape of the region.Through these programs, YOOF continued to advance its charitable and educational purpose by increasing access to high-quality music instruction, promoting youth development through the arts, and strengthening the cultural vitality of the Fresno community.

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 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 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 May 1996.

    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.