East Bay Performing Arts
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
(continued from previous page) perpetuation of the performing arts. Additional information is provided in Schedule O.
- Income
- $4.0 million
- Spending
- $3.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 71%
- Reserves
- -0.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 51%
- Employees
- 88
- Volunteers
- 75
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
Fair: 60 out of 100. Higher than 32% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 12% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 13% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 8% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1571% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 16 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: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2525 of 27 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.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited 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 (3)
- $1.5 million spent. Symphonic performances and artistic collaborationsIn fostering development of the performing arts, Oakland Symphony collaborates with other arts organizations and showcases new American works and young artists. The Symphony has partnered with several organizations and performers to create a commissioning and performance program for new works by American composers.
- $686,192 spent. EDUCATION AND OUTREACHUnder the legacy of Maestro Morgan, Oakland Symphony reaches over 75,000 adults and students each year, with significant resources dedicated to education and outreach. These programs include acclaimed education programs collectively known as MUSE (Music for excellence), comprised of young people's concerts, orchestra ensembles, in-school music lessons and mentoring, and regular school visits by musicians. Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra performs 4 concerts each season and practices weekly, Bridge program provides private lessons for students advancing from MUSE orchestra to YouthOrchestra. The Symphony's various education programs serve over 21,000 young people each year.
- $288,804 spent. THE SYMPHONY BRINGS TOGETHER THE TALENTS AND RESOURCES OF DIVERSE ARTISTIC GROUPS IN THE COMMUNITY IN COLLABORATIVE PERFORMANCES, JOINING TOGETHER TO PROMOTE A LIVELY ARTS ENVIRONMENT TO SERVE A WIDE RANGE OF AUDIENCES.COMMUNITY SERVICE --THE SYMPHONY SERVES A COMMUNITY WITH A RICH MIX OF CULTURAL, RACIAL AND ECONOMIC GROUPS AND IS AN IMPORTANT VITAL FORCE IN OAKLAND AND THE EAST BAY, CONTRIBUTING TO THE CREATIVITY AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY OF THE COMMUNITY. IT PROVIDES A FORUM FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND NURTURES AN ATMOSPHERE OF UNDERSTANDING AND CREATIVITY, MAKING MUSIC NOT ONLY RELEVANT, BUT ESSENTIAL TO OUR SOCIETY.
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 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 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 April 1993.
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.