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Portland Orff-Schulwerk Association

EIN 93-0955131 · Tacoma, WA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood79 out of 100GovernanceNot ratedThe short tax form does not cover thisImpact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Portland Orff-Schulwerk Association advances music education by supporting and educating teachers in the Orff Schulwerk approach. While serving primarily the Pacific Northwest, the organization welcomes educators from across the country and beyond. Through workshops, multi-week teacher education courses, and certification programs, we provide high-quality professional development that builds teacher expertise, nurtures creativity, and improves music learning experiences for students.

Income
$45,522
Spending
$68,348
Reserves
15.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 97%

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

Good: 79 out of 100. Higher than 55% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 15.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 50% of income.

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)
  1. $44,934 spent. The Association offered American Orff-Schulwerk Association-approved teacher education "Levels" courses, a two-week comprehensive program with three progressive levels. Each level included pedagogy, recorder, and movement classes designed to develop the musicianship, creativity, and instructional strategies of music educators and other adult learners. In Summer 2024, 60 teachers participated in these courses. Graduates applied this training in their classrooms, enhancing student learning and growth through their teachers' improved skills and knowledge.
  2. $11,669 spent. The Association offered a Post-Level III Special Course, "Capturing the Spark," at the Menucha Retreat Center in Corbett, OR. Led by nationally recognized educators Kris Olson, Matthew Stensrud, and Fauna Woolfe, the course provided advanced training for 12 experienced music teachers who had completed the three-level certification sequence. Participants deepened their artistry and instructional practice through creative exploration in movement, music, and visual art. This continuing education strengthens teacher expertise and enriches the quality of music instruction provided to students.
  3. $912 spent. The Association hosted a professional development workshop at Orchards Elementary in Vancouver, WA, led by nationally recognized educator Victor Lozada. The workshop, "Multilingual Learners and Orff Schulwerk," engaged 15 music teachers in strategies for integrating multiple languages, cultures, and creative modalities into the Orff Schulwerk classroom. Participants gained practical tools to foster inclusivity and enrich student learning through music and movement, strengthening their instructional skills and enhancing educational experiences for students.

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

  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? Worth knowing.

    Status was revoked on November 15, 2011 for not filing returns for three years. The IRS now lists it as tax-exempt again.

    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 June 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 February 2014.

    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.