Santa Cruz Baroque Festival
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To promote music education through a concert series of primarily 17th and 18th century music, attempting to present it as close as possible to the original performances. Our programs both familiar and lesser know works, and we engage musicians who specialize in early music, many from central California, as well as national and international artists. We also occasionally collaborate with other non-profit organizations on larger projects. We also conduct a Youth Chamber Music Competition for groups up to high school age.
- Income
- $51,213
- Spending
- $40,114
- Reserves
- 7.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 61%
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
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
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 (2)
- $20,944 spent. Presented a concert series of four concerts, including lectures, featuring 18th century music and 19th century music. Estimate approximately 425 attendees (fewer that usual because there was one fewer concert). These events advance our goal of educating attendees about early music and its context in time. Concerts included organ music, cantatas, chamber music, and choral music. The last two concerts featured Baroque and Romantic music, exploring the similarities and differences between them.
- $1,525 spent. We held Student Vocal Music Competition. The winners divided $1000 in prize money provided by one of our donors, and performed at a concert. We hold this event to support student musicians and display their talents, also giving them a chance to prepare and practice for a concert setting.
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
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 March 1981.
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.