Nonprofits/Organizations/43-6052679
Active
501(c)(3)
Form 990

The Kansas City Symphony Foundation

EIN 43-6052679KANSAS CITY, MO 64106Founded 1963WebsiteIRS Tax Year 2023 · Period ending May 31, 2024
Mission Statement

THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY FOUNDATION IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ENDOWMENT ORGANIZATION THAT AIDS AND SUPPORTS THE GREATER KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

IRS Tax Year 2023

Period ending May 31, 2024

Tax year 2024 filing not yet available. This is the most recent filing on record.

Total Revenue

$2.7M

+166.1%YoY

Total Expenses

$1.3M

-6.9%YoY

Net Assets

$31.8M

-17.9%YoY

Employees

0

Volunteers

7

Grants Paid

$1.1M

Program Expense Ratio

85.5%

This nonprofit profile presents IRS Form 990 tax filing data for The Kansas City Symphony Foundation (EIN: 43-6052679), based on the 2023 tax year annual return filed with the Internal Revenue Service.

Sections below include financial summaries (revenue, expenses, and net assets), program accomplishments, officer and key employee compensation, top independent contractors, governance policies and audit information, related tax-exempt organizations. All figures are reported in USD as filed.

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RoundPaper IndicatorsTax Year 2023

Financial Health

Revenue grew +166.1% to $2.7M
Program spending ratio of 85.5% — excellent
295.3 months of operating reserves — strong cushion
Expenses decreased -6.9% year-over-year

Transparency

Conflict of interest policy not adopted
Whistleblower policy not in place
Financial statements independently audited
7-member board, 7 independent

Compensation

No Schedule J filed — standard compensation reporting only

Program Effectiveness

1 program reported
85.5% of spending goes to programs
No programs generate independent revenue
$1.1M in grants paid to other organizations
7 volunteers engaged

Financial Stability

Debt-to-asset ratio of 0.0% — low leverage
0.0 months cash runway — tight liquidity
Revenue diversification: concentrated in few sources
Net assets declining over recent filings

Risk Flags

No insider or excess benefit transactions
No material diversion or misuse reported
No family/business relationships on board

Indicators derived from IRS Form 990 data. Not financial advice.

Organization Summary

The Kansas City Symphony Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in KANSAS CITY, MO, founded in 1963. The organization has held tax-exempt status since 1963. In its 2023 filing, the organization reported $2.7M in total revenue, a 166.1% increase from the prior year, and $1.3M in total expenses. The organization engaged 7 volunteers. The organization runs 1 program, totaling $1.1M in program expenses. 1 of 6 recommended governance policies are in place.

Programs(Tax Year 2023)

1 record

Programs Overview

The Kansas City Symphony Foundation operates 1 program, with total program expenses of $1.1M. The Kansas City Symphony Foundation's largest program accounts for 100% of total program spending.

1
Program 1Expenses: $1,104,365

TO AID IN THE SUPPORT OF THE GREATER KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION. IN ITS SUPPORT OF THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND ITS CULTURAL ENDEAVORS FOR THE CITY OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI.

Financial Overview(Tax Years 2019–2023)

5 records

Financial Highlights

Over the past 5 years, The Kansas City Symphony Foundation's revenue has grown from $1.5M to $2.7M, a 86.8% increase. Program expenses represent 86% of total spending.

Revenue increased 166.1% year-over-year, while expenses declined 6.9%. net assets fell to $31.8M, down 17.9% from the prior year.

The Kansas City Symphony Foundation derives 2% from contributions and grants, with 98% from investment income.

Revenue is heavily concentrated: 98% comes from investment income, indicating limited diversification.

The Kansas City Symphony Foundation allocates 86% to programs, 14% to management and general.

Revenue grew by 166.1% while expenses declined by only 6.9%, suggesting improving operational efficiency.

The Kansas City Symphony Foundation distributed $1.1M in grants to other organizations and individuals, representing 86% of total expenses.

Over 5 filings from 2019–2023, The Kansas City Symphony Foundation grew revenue from $1.5M to $2.7M (+86.8%) while maintaining a program expense ratio of 86%.

The Kansas City Symphony Foundation holds $31.8M in total assets against $0 in liabilities (debt-to-asset ratio of 0%). The organization has 295.3 months of operating reserves. Cash and equivalents of $0 cover approximately 0.0 months of expenses.

Revenue

YearTotal RevenueContributionsGov't GrantsProgram RevenueInvestment
2023$2.7M$51K$0$0$2.7M
2022$1.0M$4K$0$0$1.0M
2021$2.9M$2K$0$0$2.9M
2020$854K$11K$0$0$843K
2019$1.5M$40K$0$0$1.4M

Expenses

YearTotal ExpensesProgramManagementFundraisingGrants Paid
2023$1.3M$1.1M$187K$0$1.1M
2022$1.4M$1.2M$183K$0$1.2M
2021$830K$684K$146K$0$684K
2020$765K$630K$135K$0$630K
2019$1.0M$877K$124K$0$877K

Program Expense Ratio

85.5%

Admin Expense Ratio

14.5%

Fundraising Efficiency

Operating Reserve

295.3 mo

People & Compensation(Tax Year 2023)

7 records

Compensation Summary

The Kansas City Symphony Foundation reported compensation for 7 officers and key employees.

NameTitleTypeHours/wkComp from OrgRelated OrgsTotal
CHRISTINE KEMPERPRESIDENT
OfficerDirector
1.00$0$0$0
JULIA DENNIE-KAUFFMANVICE-PRESIDENT
OfficerDirector
1.00$0$0$0
RUSSELL W BAKER JRSECRETARY
OfficerDirector
1.00$0$0$0
GEORGE E POWELL IIITREASURER
OfficerDirector
1.00$0$0$0
MICHAEL A SCHULTZDIRECTOR
Director
1.00$0$0$0
STEPHEN H HILLDIRECTOR
Director
1.00$0$0$0
SUSAN NEWBURGERDIRECTOR
Director
1.00$0$0$0

Top Contractors(Tax Year 2023)

1 record

Contractor Summary

The Kansas City Symphony Foundation reported 1 contractor receiving over $100,000, with total contractor payments of $121K.

NameServiceCompensation
UMB BANKINVEST MANAGEMENT$120,786

Governance & Compliance(Tax Year 2023)

Governance Snapshot

The Kansas City Symphony Foundation has 1 of 6 recommended governance policies in place. Its board has 7 members, 7 of whom are independent.

The Kansas City Symphony Foundation's financial statements are audited, an audit committee oversees the process.

Policies & Oversight

Conflict of interest policy
Whistleblower policy
Document retention policy
CEO compensation review process
Other officer compensation review
990 provided to governing body
Board members7
Independent members7

Audit & Financial Oversight

Financial statements audited
Independent audit
Audit committee
Federal grant audit required

Grants Awarded(Tax Year 2023)

1 record

Grantmaking Summary

The Kansas City Symphony Foundation awarded $1.1M across 1 grant to organizations. Top recipients include GREATER KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (KANSAS CITY, MO) — $1.1M.

Organization Grants

RecipientLocationAmountPurpose
GREATER KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION431152398KANSAS CITY, MO$1.1M

Supplemental Financial Data(Tax Year 2023)

Schedule D Highlights

The endowment stands at $31.8M, with $51K in new contributions.

Filing History(Tax Years 1963–2023)

5 records

Showing the 5 Form 990 filings currently in our system.

Tax YearFormPeriodRevenueExpensesNet Assets
2023
990
2023-06-01 – 2024-05-31$2.7M$1.3M$31.8M
2022
990
2022-06-01 – 2023-05-31$1.0M$1.4M$38.7M
2021
990
2021-06-01 – 2022-05-31$2.9M$830K$40.3M
2020
990
2020-06-01 – 2021-05-31$854K$765K$40.3M
2019
990
2019-06-01 – 2020-05-31$1.5M$1.0M$34.8M
1963–2018No filings acquired yet

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Kansas City Symphony Foundation do?

THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY FOUNDATION IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ENDOWMENT ORGANIZATION THAT AIDS AND SUPPORTS THE GREATER KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

How much revenue does The Kansas City Symphony Foundation have?

The Kansas City Symphony Foundation reported $2,713,894 in total revenue for tax year 2023, up 166.1% from the prior year.

Who is the highest-paid executive at The Kansas City Symphony Foundation?

CHRISTINE KEMPER, PRESIDENT, received $0 in total compensation as of tax year 2023.

Is The Kansas City Symphony Foundation a 501(c)(3)?

Yes, The Kansas City Symphony Foundation is classified as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Where is The Kansas City Symphony Foundation located?

The Kansas City Symphony Foundation is headquartered in KANSAS CITY, MO 64106.

Is The Kansas City Symphony Foundation audited?

Yes, The Kansas City Symphony Foundation's financial statements are audited, and the organization has an audit committee.

Does The Kansas City Symphony Foundation give grants?

Yes, The Kansas City Symphony Foundation distributed $1,104,365 in grants to other organizations and individuals in tax year 2023. Top recipients include GREATER KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

Data Source

Prepared by: ERNST & YOUNG US LLP, GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS, OH

IRS Form 990 electronic filings via the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File. All financial figures are as reported in USD.

Publicly available IRS data
Verified filing records
Updated quarterly
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