Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra: CEO salary, finances and where donations go
“The mission of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is to seek and share inspiration.”
Data only Figures straight from the filing, screened by our rules. Not yet reviewed in depth by a CPA.
Methodology by Amir Arani, CPA, CA · Updated
- Top pay
- $609K Jonathan Martin, 1.5% of spending
- Revenue
- $115.8M 81.4% from donations and grants
- Spent
- $42.0M 75.7% on programs, as reported
- Net assets
- $451.5M end of FY ending Aug 2025
- Savings
- 129.1 months of spending, net assets ÷ spending
- People
- 539 employees, 160 volunteers
1 thing to look at.
We screen every filing against twelve rules. A flag is a prompt for a closer look, not a finding of wrongdoing.
Professional fundraisers kept most of what they raised
Fundraisers were paid $631,583 against $129,023 raised, more than they brought in. Likely flat fees or a filing error; check Schedule G.
Schedule G Part I, line 2bOf each dollar it spent, 75.7¢ went to programs, as reported.
For each dollar donated, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra spent 3¢ on fundraising.
Fundraising ÷ $94.3M contributions · Form 990 Parts VIII, IXNet assets: $111.2M to $451.5M in 11 years.
Net assets at each fiscal year end, 2013 to 2025.
The 8 highest-paid people.
Reportable pay in FY ending Aug 2025, from the charity and related organizations.
| Contractor | Service | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity Interactive Consulting LLC | Marketing & web services | $656,726 |
| Cristi Macelaru | Music director | $577,750 |
| Community Counseling Services Co LLC | Fundraising campaign consulting | $532,308 |
| Jrh Consultants | Information technology | $490,415 |
| Adage Technologies Inc | Website development | $258,209 |
The questions people ask about the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
Short, sourced answers. Each one stands on its own.
How much does the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra CEO make?
Jonathan Martin, President & CEO, received $608,644 in reportable compensation in FY ending Aug 2025, 1.5% of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's $42.0M in spending.
Form 990 (FY ending Aug 2025), Part VIIWhat percentage of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra donations go to programs?
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra reported 75.7% of FY ending Aug 2025 spending as programs, 6% as fundraising and 18.3% as management.
Form 990 (FY ending Aug 2025), Part IXHow much money does Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra have?
Net assets were $451.5M at the end of FY ending Aug 2025, about 129.1 months of spending.
Form 990 (FY ending Aug 2025), Part XDoes Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra have any red flags in its filing?
Its latest Form 990 triggered 1 of our twelve screening rules: professional fundraisers kept most of what they raised. A flag is a prompt for a closer look, not a finding of wrongdoing.
Form 990 (FY ending Aug 2025)Every number, traced.
- Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Form 990, FY ending Aug 2025 (IRS e-file)
- Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Form 990 history (ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer)
Amir Arani, “Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra: CEO salary, finances and where your dollar goes,” Charity Math, updated 2026-11-07. https://charitymath.com/charities/cincinnati-symphony-orchestra/