Better Business Bureau Report for
Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra

Better Business Bureau Report issued March 2009
Better Business Bureau Report expires March 2011


This BBB Accredited charity meets all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. Find out more...


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Charity Contact Information

Name: Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra
Address: 718 North Grand Blvd
  St. Louis , MO 63103
Phone: 314-533-2500
Web Address: www.slso.org
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Better Business Bureau Comments

Year, State Incorporated: 1893, Missouri
Affiliates: None
Stated Purpose: exists to present musical performances of the highest caliber and to provide quality music education and community outreach for the purpose of fostering, promoting, and increasing the musical interest of the public.

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Evaluation Conclusions

               

Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO ) meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
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Programs

               

Orchestral Events, Community Partnerships, and Volunteer Association.

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007, SLSOSaint Louis Symphony Orchestra's program expenses were:

  
Orchestral Events 17,536,000
Community Partnerships 1,702,000
Volunteer Association 320,000
Total Program Expenses: $19,558,000
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Governance

               

Chief Executive : Fred Bronstein, President
Compensation*:

Highest Paid Executive: David Robertson,Music Director
Compensation*: $828,229

Chair of the Board: Ned Lemkemeier
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation: Partner, Bryan Cave LLP

Board Size: 48

Paid Staff Size: 167

*Compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
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Fund Raising

               

Method(s) Used:

direct mail, invitations to fund raising events, grant proposals, internet, planned giving arrangements
Fund raising costs were 7% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $15,296,000, are donations received as a result of fund raising activities.)
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Tax Status

               

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
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Financial

               

The following information is based on SLSOSaint Louis Symphony Orchestra's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Source of Funds  
Net gain on investments 12,268,000
Other contributions 7,091,000
Special campaigns 5,990,000
Concert, performance and touring revenue 5,755,000
Investment income 3,789,000
Grants 1,651,000
Other 689,000
Volunteer Association revenue 490,000
Bequests 74,000
Change in value of split interest agreements -508,000
Total Income $37,289,000


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Uses of Funds as a % of Total Expenses

Programs: 82%  Fund Raising: 5%  Administrative: 13% 

Total income   $37,289,000
  Program expenses $19,558,000
  Fund raising expenses 1,147,000
  Administrative expenses 3,042,000
 
Total expenses   $23,747,000
Income in Excess of Expenses   13,542,000
Beginning net assets   143,403,000
Ending net assets   158,533,000
Total liabilities   5,049,000
Total assets   $163,582,000


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