Skip to the page content
Your donations
Passes our checks

Scottish Fiddlers of California

EIN 95-4063752 · Pasadena, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceFair61 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Our goal is to teach, preserve, perform, and promote the rich traditional fiddle music and dance of Scotland. We provide personal growth opportunities to those wishing to explore Scottish fiddle and related genres in a supportive environment.

Income
$777,571
Spending
$569,492
Spent on programs
97%
Reserves
32.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 67%
Employees
2
Volunteers
50
Highest pay
$24,142, president

Source: Form 990 for the year ending October 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 88% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 32.6 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 27% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 50% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    97% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending October 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 61 out of 100. Higher than 34% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 10 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending October 31, 2024, 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. $496,388 spent. Instruction in Scottish music and dance:Alasdair Fraser's Sierra Fiddle Camp was held from June 15 through June 23, 2024. Eighteen instructors taught fiddle, guitar, piano song and dance to 226 students with experience ranging from beginning to master level. Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddle camp (Aug 23-Aug 31, 2024) provided similar classes at all skill levels to 216 participants, taught by 20 instructors from USA, Belgium and Sweden. The Peter Connolly and Cali Funds provided $35,200 in financial aid to participants. The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers held 11 in-person meeting averaging 25 attendees. There were 5 concert rehearsals with 60 participants and 9 rehearsals averaging 20 participants for farmers market performances. The Scottish Fiddlers of Los Angeles held 10 rehearsals for the concert and the Highland Games.
  2. $57,643 spent. Public performance of Scottish music and dance:The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers performed at 9 farmers markets to a combined audience estimated at 500. The average number of performers at each was 15. SFSF gave three concerts to a combined audience of 900 with 60 players at each concert. Twenty-five members of SFSF performed with the Bay Philharmonic for an audience of 1400. SFSF also gave 6 free concerts to a combined audience of 400, with approximately 20 performers. Members of SFSF performed at Scottish games in both Pleasanton and Spokane. The Scottish Fiddlers of Los Angeles performed at the Scottishfest, sponsored by the United Scottish Society, on May 25 and 26. Thirty-two members of SFLA performed with guest musicians at their annual spring concert on April 13, to an audience of 475.
  3. $866 spent. Dissemination of educational materials:Alasdair Fraser's Sierra Camp and Valley of the Moon provided sheet music to attendees. Both camps also provided video recordings of many of the activities. Artists' recordings and books were available for sale during camp. SFSF provided monthly newsletters to 256 members. Audio recordings created by members and other practice aids are available to members online. SFLA maintains an internet account of sound files, practice recordings of tunes and sheet music for their 49 members.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending October 31, 2024, 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 September 7, 2026.

  2. 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending October 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since May 1991.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.