Chrysalis Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Founded in 1982, The Chrysalis Foundation is a nonprofit arts and education foundation with three main goals: 1. To support the creation of new acoustic instruments. 2. To encourage the composition of music for these instruments. 3. To promote live performances of this music. The Foundation is accomplishing these goals through the work of master builder, composer, writer, and musician Cris Forster, whose original instuments are designed to explore new timbres and tunings beyond the realm of conventional 12-tone equal temperament (the tuning of the piano). The Foundation is devoted to the idea that the future of music depends upon the incorporation of these new tunings and timbres as raw ingredients in an expanding, flexible, and highly-nuanced tonal palette. By recognizing tuning as a choice rather than a constant, music can once again become a vital force capable of expressing and addressing the complexities of our modern psyches and spirits.
- Income
- $11,417
- Spending
- $24,978
- Reserves
- 20.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 96%
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 (1)
- $6,872 spent. In collaboration with MicroFest Records, Los Angeles, we released an album of music entitled "Song of Myself: Intoned Poems of Walt Whitman".
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 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 October 1982.
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.