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Music by Heart

EIN 88-2487385 · San Francisco, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceFair65 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To strengthen connection and belonging to Jewish life through the transformative power of music.

Income
$248,446
Spending
$209,862
Spent on programs
80%
Reserves
1.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 83%
Employees
3
Volunteers
3
Highest pay
$96,000, ceo

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: 75 out of 100. Higher than 50% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 16% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 30% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    80% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 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

Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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 (3)
  1. $70,067 spent. Music Curricula: The organization assists in building a comprehensive K-8 Jewish music program, working directly with schools to tailor programs to meet the specific needs of students and teachers. The curriculum is designed to foster a love for Jewish music and culture, emphasizing the connection between heart and music. Students develop their unique voice and expression through music. In 2025, music curricula and the Cousins Like Us program reached 16 schools, 75 classrooms, 200 educators, and 1,500 students and family members. This year, the organization continued to grow its flagship music curriculum and Cousins Like Us, a musical storybook and family engagement program for preschool and school-aged children and families, while also beginning to reach families directly at home through digital and family engagement materials.
  2. $52,097 spent. Artist Workshops and Professional Development: The organization offers a variety of educational and musical workshops and professional development sessions for educators, children, families, and adults. Professional development empowers educators to use music in their classrooms as a tool for learning, connection, and community building, using Music by Heart's values and educational approach. These sessions provide an opportunity for educators to experience the power of music in fostering connection, teamwork, and joyful participation, while gaining practical tools to bring music into their own classrooms. Artist workshops are musical experiences for children, families, and adults in schools and communities. They are designed to be engaging, interactive, and fun for all participants.
  3. $45,784 spent. Consultations: The organization provides consultation to community leaders and school administrators who are seeking to strengthen music education, family engagement, and community programming. Music by Heart helps schools and communities think strategically about how to harness the power of music to build connection, belonging, and joyful participation. Through these consultations, the organization supports leaders in creating sustainable music experiences across ages, from early childhood and school-based programming to family and community engagement.

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since September 2022.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. 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.