Big Sur Fiddle Camp
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To provide accessible music education, preserve traditional musical arts, and foster community through immersive music instruction, mentorship, and performance.
- Income
- $64,013
- Spending
- $60,349
- Reserves
- 2.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 64%
- Highest pay
- $7,157, administrator
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 64 out of 100. Higher than 34% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 6% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 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 December 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 (3)
- $60,349 spent. Big Sur Fiddle Camp provided a week-long immersive music education program featuring world-class instructors and intensive instruction in traditional folk music. Through small-group classes, private mentorship, jam sessions, community meals, and performances, musicians of all ages strengthened their musical skills while building confidence, creativity, and lasting community. Scholarships helped ensure participation regardless of financial circumstances. The program served approximately 70 participants, including students, instructors, and volunteers, and concluded with a public community concert in Big Sur.
- Big Sur Fiddle Camp presented three public concerts throughout Monterey County, providing accessible live performances that celebrate traditional folk music while connecting local audiences with professional musicians and emerging student artists. These performances strengthen community engagement, preserve cultural traditions, and expand access to high-quality arts experiences for hundreds of residents and visitors.
- Big Sur Fiddle Camp expanded access to music education by providing scholarships and conducting outreach to local youth orchestra and symphony programs throughout Monterey County. These efforts helped identify talented young musicians with financial need and ensured that cost was not a barrier to participating in immersive music education and mentorship opportunities.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 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 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 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 March 2018.
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.