Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Analysis

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is a registered charity in United States, based in Cincinnati, OH. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in October 1934, 92 years ago. Its declared purposes cover arts, culture and humanities, which this site groups under arts, culture, heritage and science. The IRS classifies it as a publicly supported organisation (donations from the general public) under section 501(c)(3), and contributions to it are listed as tax-deductible.

In the financial year ending August 2023, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra reported income of $51.1m and spending of $38.5m, leaving 25% of income unspent that year. Across the 5 years on record, from August 2019 to August 2023, income grew from $43.1m to $51.1m (+18%), an average of +4.3% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to August 2020, when income rose by 69%. Over the whole period it spent 63% of the income it received.

Among 45,478 United States charities whose main cause is arts, culture, heritage and science and that reported income, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 99th percentile, and in the 99th percentile within OH. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences ($50.9m), Shen Yun Performing Arts Inc ($51.5m) and Our Rescue ($50.4m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending August 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 63% and program service revenue 18% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $1.9m (4.9% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $18.3m. It paid $84k in professional fundraising fees. At year end it held assets of $324.3m against liabilities of $7.3m, net assets of $317.1m. It reported 562 employees.