San Diego Symphony Foundation
San Diego Symphony Foundation consistently spends more than it earns, relying on its substantial $115M asset base.
EIN: 141858753 · San Diego, CA · NTEE: A69 · Updated: 2026-03-28
Is San Diego Symphony Foundation Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
San Diego Symphony Foundation directs 80% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About San Diego Symphony Foundation
San Diego Symphony Foundation (EIN: 141858753) is a nonprofit organization based in San Diego, CA, classified under NTEE code A69. The organization reported total revenue of $6.5M and total assets of $115.8M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of San Diego Symphony Foundation's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
San Diego Symphony Foundation is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 23 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of -1.2%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $4.3M |
| Total Expenses | $6.5M |
| Surplus / Deficit | $-2,211,810 |
| Total Assets | $110.1M |
| Net Assets | $110.1M |
| Operating Margin | -51.0% |
| Months of Reserves | 201.7 months |
Financial Health Grade: B
In 2023, San Diego Symphony Foundation reported a deficit of $2.2M with expenses exceeding revenue, holds 201.7 months of operating reserves (strong position).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), San Diego Symphony Foundation's revenue has declined at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.2%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +123.4% | +10.2% | +2.7% |
| 2022 | +109.7% | +2.5% | -11.4% |
| 2021 | +10.4% | +1.7% | +23.1% |
| 2020 | -98.4% | +37.4% | -4.5% |
| 2019 | +4567.4% | +33.6% | +93.8% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 2003 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates San Diego Symphony Foundation with a Mission Score of 75 out of 100 (Good). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 15%
- programs: 80%
- fundraising: 5%
According to IRS 990 filings, San Diego Symphony Foundation allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 15%, programs: 80%, fundraising: 5%. With 80% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a deficit of $2.2M, with expenses exceeding revenue.
Executive Compensation Analysis
The organization consistently reports 0% officer compensation across all available filings, indicating that executive leadership is either volunteer-based or compensated through an affiliated entity, which is highly favorable for donor confidence and suggests efficient use of funds not directed to top salaries.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of San Diego Symphony Foundation's IRS 990 filings:
- Consistent operational deficits (expenses exceeding revenue) in most recent years, such as $2,211,810 in 202306, indicating reliance on asset drawdowns.
- Lack of detailed expense breakdown (program, admin, fundraising) in provided data makes precise spending efficiency analysis challenging.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for San Diego Symphony Foundation:
- Substantial and growing asset base, reaching $115,752,972, providing long-term financial stability for its mission.
- Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation, indicating efficient use of funds not directed to executive salaries.
- Zero reported liabilities across all filings, suggesting strong financial management and no outstanding debt.
- Demonstrated ability to attract significant capital, as evidenced by the $52,084,293 revenue in 201906.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego Symphony Foundation
Is San Diego Symphony Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, San Diego Symphony Foundation (EIN: 141858753) some concerns. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 4 strengths noted.
How does San Diego Symphony Foundation spend its money?
San Diego Symphony Foundation directs 80% of its spending to programs and services. The remaining budget covers administration and fundraising costs.
Are donations to San Diego Symphony Foundation tax-deductible?
San Diego Symphony Foundation is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 141858753). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How does the San Diego Symphony Foundation cover its consistent operational deficits?
The foundation appears to cover its operational deficits, such as the $2,211,810 gap in 202306 (Expenses $6,548,928 - Revenue $4,337,118), by drawing from its substantial asset base, which was $115,752,972 in the latest period.
What is the purpose of the San Diego Symphony Foundation given its NTEE code A69?
With an NTEE code A69 (Symphony Orchestras), the foundation's primary purpose is likely to provide financial support and endowment management for the San Diego Symphony, ensuring its long-term artistic and operational stability.
Why was there a significant revenue spike in 201906?
The revenue spike to $52,084,293 in 201906, compared to $1,115,910 in 201806, suggests a major capital campaign, a large one-time donation, or a significant endowment contribution during that period, which substantially increased the organization's assets.
Does the lack of officer compensation indicate a fully volunteer-run organization?
While the 0% officer compensation is positive, it doesn't definitively mean a fully volunteer-run organization. It could indicate that executive compensation is paid by an affiliated entity (e.g., the San Diego Symphony itself) or that the foundation's structure relies on external management services.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for San Diego Symphony Foundation showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), San Diego Symphony Foundation's revenue has declined by 13.9%, moving from $5.0M to $4.3M. Total assets increased by 151.8% over the same period, from $43.7M to $110.1M. Total functional expenses rose by 206.5%, from $2.1M to $6.5M. In its most recent filing year (2023), San Diego Symphony Foundation reported a deficit of $2.2M, with expenses exceeding revenue.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $4.3M | $6.5M | $110.1M | $0 | — | — |
| 2022 | $1.9M | $5.9M | $107.2M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $926K | $5.8M | $121.0M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $838K | $5.7M | $98.3M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $52.1M | $4.2M | $103.0M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $1.1M | $3.1M | $53.1M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $1.2M | $3.2M | $52.4M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $615K | $3.2M | $49.3M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $819K | $3.0M | $52.6M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $1.1M | $2.8M | $54.8M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $1.2M | $2.5M | $49.8M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $6.8M | $2.1M | $47.8M | $0 | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $5.0M | $2.1M | $43.7M | $0 | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $4.3M, expenses of $6.5M, and assets of $110.1M (revenue +123.4% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $1.9M, expenses of $5.9M, and assets of $107.2M (revenue +109.7% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $926K, expenses of $5.8M, and assets of $121.0M (revenue +10.4% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $838K, expenses of $5.7M, and assets of $98.3M (revenue -98.4% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $52.1M, expenses of $4.2M, and assets of $103.0M (revenue +4567.4% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $3.1M, and assets of $53.1M (revenue -6.9% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $3.2M, and assets of $52.4M (revenue +94.8% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $615K, expenses of $3.2M, and assets of $49.3M (revenue -24.9% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $819K, expenses of $3.0M, and assets of $52.6M (revenue -26.3% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $1.1M, expenses of $2.8M, and assets of $54.8M (revenue -7.1% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $1.2M, expenses of $2.5M, and assets of $49.8M (revenue -82.3% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $6.8M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $47.8M (revenue +34.0% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $5.0M, expenses of $2.1M, and assets of $43.7M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for San Diego Symphony Foundation:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for San Diego Symphony Foundation is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.