Sphinx Organization Inc.

“The entire board of directors will review a copy of the 990 before being filed. Each member of the board will be provided a copy of the 990.”

“Sphinx issues conflict of interest forms to board members and staff who complete them on an annual basis. Individuals sign a statement affirming that they have received a copy of this conflict of interest policy, have read and understood the policy, have agreed to comply with the policy, and have disclosed the person's financial interests and family relationships that could give rise to conflicts of interest. The board forms are reviewed by staff and shared with the executive committee. A summary is shared with the full board with any potential identified conflicts being raised.”

“Specific approval of the president/artistic director's salary is approved by an independent salary committee (executive committee) from the board (i.e. Compensation committee which excludes the president/artistic director). They look at comparable salary levels (through similar organizations' form 990, tenure, and performance). The salaries are again approved during the board review and approval of the annual budget. The president/artistic director does not vote on the approval of the salary or budget. This compensation process was last undertaken in entirety in 2022. Minutes for the executive compensation and performance review are recorded and filed confidentially.”

“Each employee undergoes a formal annual review with supervisor and president, also evaluating performance against goals. Compenstation is proposed and then approved within the formal budget approval process.”

“Governing documents, financial statements and conflict of interest policy are available upon request.”

“Artist development: naas, sphinx competition (oldest program), soloist program, college- bound/music assistance fund/instrument fund. The sphinx competition identifies and empowers top young musicians of color by offering performance, competition and professional development opportunities, along with collaboration and mentorship from members of the professional sphinx symphony orchestra. The artist development program area is aimed at engaging and promoting the top young talent within the communities of color, providing them with a professional audition/exposure experience, as well as access to mentorship, scholarship opportunities, fine instruments and beyond. The artist development program includes individual development/ensemble experience, higher education and early career. The program reaches approximately 2 million in live and broadcast audiences annually, while serving as the primary resource to the field on the matter of inclusion and access to a rich network of top artists. The national alliance for audition support is a national consortium project aimed at advancing representation in american orchestras and supporting careers of musicians pursuing the orchestral track. Naas has received wide acclaim and press attention as an unprecedented efforts which involves the entire field and is advised and guided by artists, orchestras and leaders around the country.”

“Arts leadership - lead, scotus, sphinx medals of excellence, sphinxconnect, mpower. The arts leadership program encompasses the flagship program of sphinxconnect, our epicenter for artists and leaders in diversity, along with artist grants, our most prestigious award program, an administrative leadership academy and industry service work. Live participant reach here is 1,000+. Sphinxconnect is the main resource to the field, positioning sphinx as the main incubator of ideas, best practices, access to mentorship and talent. Mpower and sphinx medals of excellence are artist grant programs, which offer resources and support toward innovative ideas and creative ventures undertaken by the entire family of sphinx alumni.”

“Education - overture and sphinx performance academy (spa). The education program encompasses all of our educational efforts, from earliest introduction to hands-on instrumental training to intermediate education. All programs are full-scholarship, with an annual reach of approximately 500. Overture, a nationally distinguished program, celebrated at the white house, places instruments in the hands of young people for the first time. It is a creative youth development initiative that uses a hands-on approach to engage and empower young people. Sphinx performance academy, now in 3 different chapters, engages young artists of color at an intermediate level, emphasizing the experience of those who exhibit much talent and aptitude but may lack access and resources.”

“Special event expenses 150,375 special event expenses -150,375”