Music in Place
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Music in Place connects people and communities through music while curating high-quality experiences and supporting artists who create them.
- Income
- $429,959
- Spending
- $366,891
- Spent on programs
- 85%
- Reserves
- 5.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 72%
- Employees
- 3
- Volunteers
- 12
- Highest pay
- $50,417, executive dir.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 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 35Spendable reserves would cover 5.7 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 4% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 15% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 66% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1585% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Weak: 41 out of 100. Higher than 9% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 258 of 8 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
0 of 5Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 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 (4)
- $85,370 spent. In addition to performances, Music in Place continued to expand its youth music education programs through after-school classes at Boys & Girls Clubs in both Sonoma Valley and San Francisco. These programs provided more than 1,200 hours of hands-on music education, introducing young people to rhythm, melody, and creative expression in an engaging and supportive environment. By meeting students where they are and making music accessible and fun, these classes help build confidence, foster connection, and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
- $79,926 spent. In 2025, Music in Place presented more than 50 live concerts across Sonoma Valley and beyond, reaching over 10,000 audience members. Performances took place in a variety of welcoming community settings, including the Grinstead Amphitheater at the Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, Sonoma Community Center, senior centers, and other local venues. Many of these concerts were offered free of charge, ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds could experience the joy of live music.
- $77,458 spent. Music in Place collaborated with musicians to provide ticketed concerts.
- $68,340 spent. Other programs in which Music in Place created inclusive, community-centered experience to bring people together, support working musicians, and ensure that music remains a vibrant and accessible part of everyday life.
Source: Form 990 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 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 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 January 2022.
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.