Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The mission of SOGO is to provide a challenging, fully integrated music experience for the young musician that includes orchestra and ensemble performances, music education and a broad spectrum of music-related activities.
- Income
- $439,891
- Spending
- $439,357
- Spent on programs
- 70%
- Reserves
- 19 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 41%
- Employees
- 49
- Volunteers
- 36
- Highest pay
- $97,070, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 87 out of 100. Higher than 73% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 19.0 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 0% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 17% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1570% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 23 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 2519 of 19 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
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 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 (2)
- $283,289 spent. SOGO provided 28 full orchestra rehearsals for 182 students in four orchestras, a brass choir, and small ensembles with support from 6 professional conductors and 43 teaching artists in preparation for 3 season concerts at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Music theory and music history were included in those rehearsals. SOGO provided scholarships for participation in our orchestra program to 37 Students. A week-long Summer Music program provided students the opportunity to take classes in various musical topics. There was also a free public Messiah Sing-Along and a Brass Choir Holiday show.
- $22,140 spent. SOGO 2 Schools is an outreach to support local instrumental music teachers and their students. This year SOGO provided 205 free small group sectionals and 234 free private lessons through this program. The sectionals and lessons were given by our staff of professional Teaching Artists. SOGO targeted socio-economically challenged schools and underserved youth. SOGO also provided a free instrument petting "Zoo" to introduce young children to the world of playing a string instrument. There was a collaboration with the Olympia Symphony Orchestra called "Conduct Us" where a member of the public - with little or no experience - could step up to the podium, hold a baton, and lead the orchestra in a selection.
Source: Form 990 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 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 June 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 July 2001.
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.