Charleston Music Festival and School
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The mission of Charleston International Music School (CIMS) is to provide excellence in performing arts education here in the Low Country, as well as on a national and global level. CIMS was founded in 2010 by Ruben Camacho, a graduate from The Julliard School in New York. CIMS' hallmark is the powerful sense of connection and enthusiasm that it fosters in both students and faculty alike. Students work and perform with musicians of different backgrounds and nationalities, learning to communicate through their music-making. This intensive program creates the best conditions for gifted young musicians to flourish.
- Income
- $86,438
- Spending
- $69,159
- Reserves
- 3.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 100%
- Highest pay
- $33,775, president
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending July 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending July 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending July 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 (1)
- $51,491 spent. The Organization offers individual and group lessons for stringed instruments, piano, music theory, and ear training. Performances are offered to the general public throughout the year. The Organization also hosts a Summer International Music Festival for U.S. and international students.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending July 31, 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 July 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 June 2013.
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.