Great Bend Center for Music
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Great Bend Center for Music uses music as a tool for community development, advancing educational equity, social connection, and economic vitality in rural Mason County, Washington.Additional activities include community performances, workshops, and outreach initiatives that expand access to music education and cultural experiences across Mason County. These programs reinforce Great Bends mission to use music as a catalyst for connection, opportunity, and community identity.
- Income
- $178,799
- Spending
- $276,902
- Reserves
- 6.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 73%
- Highest pay
- $88,625, director
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 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 June 30, 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 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 (3)
- $109,184 spent. Sound Scholars Early Learning ProgramGreat Bends Sound Scholars program provides free, high-quality early childhood music education to preschool and early elementary students, with a focus on underserved and multilingual populations. Instruction integrates music literacy, language development, and social-emotional learning aligned with kindergarten readiness standards.During the year, the program served young learners through in-school and community-based instruction, including bilingual delivery in English and Spanish. Students developed foundational skills in rhythm, pitch, listening, and collaboration, while also strengthening early literacy and prosocial behaviors. This program directly addresses local early learning gaps and supports long-term academic and workforce readiness.
- $6,066 spent. Participatory Music & Community EnsemblesGreat Bend engages community members of all ages through participatory music-making, including the Great Bend Chorale and related ensemble activities. These programs provide accessible entry points for individualsmany without prior musical experienceto build skills, confidence, and social connection through shared artistic experiences.During the year, participants engaged in rehearsals, performances, and community-based events that fostered belonging, civic pride, and intergenerational connection. These activities contribute to improved mental health, reduced social isolation, and stronger community cohesion, particularly in a rural context with limited access to the arts.
- $14,153 spent. Career & Technical Education (CTE) in Music & Audio ProductionIn partnership with local schools, Great Bend delivers Career & Technical Education programming in sound recording, audio production, and music technology for middle and high school students. These programs provide hands-on learning experiences that connect creativity with real-world technical and career skills.Students developed competencies in digital audio workstations, sound design, and media production, while also building critical thinking, collaboration, and project management skills. This work supports career pathways in the creative economy and expands access to workforce-relevant skills in a rural region.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 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 September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Worth knowing.
Status was revoked on November 15, 2019 for not filing returns for three years, and reinstated on November 15, 2019.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.
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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since April 2020.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 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.