Friends of Jerry Garcia Amphitheater
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The mission of Friends of Jerry Garcia Amphitheater FOJGA is to promote, brand, activate and provide facility improvements and programming to the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater. To facilitate civic and cultural events such as Jerry Day, and to provide additional resources, as well as programming, to our local communities for various projects. To promote Jerry Garcia's legacy, recognize his childhood roots from the Excelsior District of San Francisco, and unite, as well as support the diverse communities of San Francisco through various projects. FOJGA aims to help improve the quality of life through various projects for the Excelsior District, McLaren Park and the City and County of San Francisco.
- Income
- $123,928
- Spending
- $143,955
- Reserves
- 3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 89%
- Highest pay
- $14,190, president & ceo
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 December 31, 2024, 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 December 31, 2024, 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)
- $133,041 spent. Friends of Jerry Garcia Amphitheater (FOJGA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, activating, and improving the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater (JGA) in McLaren Park, San Francisco. Our mission is to support civic and cultural programming that enhances the quality of life for local communitiesespecially in the Excelsior Districtthrough arts, music, and public engagement. FOJGA serves as the primary steward of Jerry Day San Francisco, a major annual cultural celebration honoring Jerry Garcias legacy and his Excelsior roots. Jerry Garcia (19421995), a founding member of the Grateful Dead, was born and raised in San Franciscos Excelsior District. His profound influence on American music and culture continues to inspire generations. FOJGA celebrates Garcia not only for his artistic contributions but also as a local figure whose legacy remains deeply connected to the neighborhood where he grew up. Jerry Day began in 2002 with grassroots efforts centered at the Italian American Social Club, located in the heart of the Excelsior, and has since grown into a cornerstone cultural event for the City and County of San Francisco. In recognition of Garcias impact, the McLaren Park Amphitheater was officially renamed the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in 2005, becoming the permanent home for Jerry Day and a hub for diverse community events. The 2024 celebration marked the 22nd year of Jerry Day, continuing to unite communities through music, heritage, and local pride. FOJGA, established in 2017, provides year-round advocacy, branding, programming, and facility support to ensure the amphitheater remains a vibrant, inclusive public space. Through partnerships, community engagement, and grassroots efforts, FOJGA works to amplify Garcias legacy while investing in the cultural infrastructure of McLaren Park, the local business corridors, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 November 6, 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 December 2024.
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 January 2017.
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 November 4, 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.