WORLD MUSIC INSTITUTE INC
EIN: 13-3323045
Mission
World Music Institute (WMI) inspires wonder for world cultures through music and dance. We are committed to presenting the finest in traditional and contemporary music and dance from around the world with the goal of promoting awareness and appreciation of the rich diversity of the world's cultures and traditions. WMI encourages cultural exchange between nations and ethnic groups. WMI does not own a venue and presents at venues throughout New York.
Ruling year
1987
Executive Director
Gaby Sappington
Main address
68 Jay Street Suite 201
Brooklyn, NY 11201 USA
EIN
13-3323045
Cultural awareness
Performing arts
Folk and indigenous music
Population served
Adults
Ethnic and racial groups
NTEE code
Performing Arts (A60)
IRS subsection
501(c)(3) Public Charity
IRS filing requirement
This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Tax forms
Communication
Programs and results
Reports and documents
Download annual reportsWhat we aim to solve
By providing affordable access to high-caliber world music and dance performances and interactive audience enrichment activities, World Music Institute aims to enrich the lives of individuals of ALL socio-economic backgrounds, foster and promote cross-cultural dialog and exchange that builds bridges between cultures, and raise awareness as well as appreciation of the rich diversity of cultures from around the world.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
2019-2020 Season
The 2019-2020 Season consists of 18 world music or dance performances by artists from around the globe and eight uniqe, interactive WMI PLUS experiences. Due to COVID-19, an additional 17 originally scheduled shows had to be canceled.
Where we work
External reviews
Photos
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
World Music Institute seeks to be the welcoming and well-informed hub and home for all who are interested in experiencing and learning about cultural traditions and artistic expressions from around the globe and to bring ALL members of New York City's diverse population together in celebration of the unique artistic gifts each culture has to offer.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Aside from keeping ticket prices affordable, World Music Institute (WMI) is a "nomadic" presenter without a venue which allows us to present at venues throughout the city, reaching into many different neighborhoods and (immigrant) communities. With that, World Music Institute's audience is as diverse as our programming. World Music Institute collaborates with ethnic community groups, academic institutions and other cultural organizations to spread the word on WMI's programming and events. Our marketing is event and performance focused and includes the distribution of performance flyers at ethnic restaurants, dance studios, colleges, and (ethnic) community centers.
Ever since March 2020 - since venues closed due to the pandemic - we expanded our program portfolio to include (mostly free) virtual programming in the form of WMI PLUS At Home Sessions, podcasts, and on-demand concerts on the Vimeo platform.
Through thoughtful international programming, and by providing affordable (whenever possible, also FREE) access to meaningful cultural programming, we aim to reduce inequalities when it comes to access to the arts, and also to contribute to world peace by demonstrating our commitment to our motto: Many Cultures - One World
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
World Music Institute has a small staff of three full-time employees and three part-time contracted staff (Production Manager, PR, and Finance Manager). We are grateful for the help and support of very active and dedicated interns and volunteers who assist in outreach research and the distribution of performance flyers at appropriate locations. We also maintain productive relationships with community groups, academic institutions, and cultural organizations who assist in promoting our performances and events.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Over the past five years, we've been able to increase the number of performances from 16 per Season in FY15 to 30 per Season in FY19 and significantly increased the number of members and audiences served. The FY20 performance program was interrupted by the pandemic, resulting in fewer live shows and therefore audiences served. That said, by pivoting to online programming as of March 2020, we have been able to continue serving and staying connected with our community of world musis enthusiasts.
Ever sinve venues have reopened in September 2021, we have been offering both live and virtual cultural programming to enrich lives through the arts and bring people together around our stated motto: Many Cultures - One World.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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Who are the people you serve with your mission?
We serve all members of our community who are interested in experiencing and learning more about cultures and traditions from around the globe, as well as members of the immigrant community who enjoy experiencing performances and events that represent the traditions of their countries of origin.
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How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Electronic surveys (by email, tablet, etc.),
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve,
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What significant change resulted from feedback?
We're a performing arts organization currently offering programming online and have booked/presented specific cultures based on patron feedback.
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With whom is the organization sharing feedback?
Our staff, Our board, Our funders,
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We act on the feedback we receive,
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback, The people we serve tell us they find data collection burdensome,
Financials
Financial documents
Download audited financialsRevenue vs. expenses: breakdown
Liquidity in 2020 info
3.20
Months of cash in 2020 info
3.9
Fringe rate in 2020 info
24%
Funding sources info
Assets & liabilities info
WORLD MUSIC INSTITUTE INC
Revenue & expensesFiscal Year: Jul 01 - Jun 30
SOURCE: IRS Form 990
WORLD MUSIC INSTITUTE INC
Balance sheetFiscal Year: Jul 01 - Jun 30
SOURCE: IRS Form 990
The balance sheet gives a snapshot of the financial health of an organization at a particular point in time. An organization's total assets should generally exceed its total liabilities, or it cannot survive long, but the types of assets and liabilities must also be considered. For instance, an organization's current assets (cash, receivables, securities, etc.) should be sufficient to cover its current liabilities (payables, deferred revenue, current year loan, and note payments). Otherwise, the organization may face solvency problems. On the other hand, an organization whose cash and equivalents greatly exceed its current liabilities might not be putting its money to best use.
Fiscal Year: Jul 01 - Jun 30
SOURCE: IRS Form 990
This snapshot of WORLD MUSIC INSTITUTE INC’s financial trends applies Nonprofit Finance Fund® analysis to data hosted by GuideStar. While it highlights the data that matter most, remember that context is key – numbers only tell part of any story.
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Business model indicators
| Profitability info | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted surplus (deficit) before depreciation | -$37,441 | $25,582 | $64,594 | $11,054 | $21,588 |
| As % of expenses | -4.1% | 2.7% | 6.4% | 1.4% | 3.5% |
| Unrestricted surplus (deficit) after depreciation | -$38,545 | $24,528 | $63,571 | $10,031 | $21,100 |
| As % of expenses | -4.2% | 2.6% | 6.3% | 1.3% | 3.5% |
| Revenue composition info | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total revenue (unrestricted & restricted) | $881,470 | $987,044 | $1,078,875 | $791,411 | $726,885 |
| Total revenue, % change over prior year | 5.1% | 12.0% | 9.3% | -26.6% | -8.2% |
| Program services revenue | 37.1% | 49.2% | 46.8% | 35.5% | 17.5% |
| Membership dues | 0.7% | 0.8% | 0.8% | 1.2% | 2.0% |
| Investment income | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Government grants | 16.2% | 7.7% | 11.7% | 18.2% | 24.6% |
| All other grants and contributions | 46.0% | 37.9% | 40.7% | 45.2% | 55.9% |
| Other revenue | 0.0% | 4.5% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Expense composition info | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total expenses before depreciation | $921,411 | $951,462 | $1,004,531 | $780,801 | $610,297 |
| Total expenses, % change over prior year | 22.0% | 3.3% | 5.6% | -22.3% | -21.8% |
| Personnel | 24.6% | 28.3% | 25.4% | 40.3% | 48.8% |
| Professional fees | 14.2% | 10.6% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Occupancy | 2.6% | 2.4% | 2.3% | 2.9% | 3.8% |
| Interest | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.4% |
| Pass-through | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| All other expenses | 58.6% | 58.7% | 72.3% | 56.8% | 47.0% |
| Full cost components (estimated) info | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total expenses (after depreciation) | $922,515 | $952,516 | $1,005,554 | $781,824 | $610,785 |
| One month of savings | $76,784 | $79,289 | $83,711 | $65,067 | $50,858 |
| Debt principal payment | $7 | $9,832 | $9,832 | $29,496 | $0 |
| Fixed asset additions | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total full costs (estimated) | $999,306 | $1,041,637 | $1,099,097 | $876,387 | $661,643 |
Capital structure indicators
| Liquidity info | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Months of cash | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 3.9 |
| Months of cash and investments | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 3.9 |
| Months of estimated liquid unrestricted net assets | 0.4 | 0.7 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 3.0 |
| Balance sheet composition info | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | $26,466 | $13,698 | $58,283 | $41,109 | $198,065 |
| Investments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Receivables | $159,000 | $154,720 | $191,537 | $143,385 | $133,095 |
| Gross land, buildings, equipment (LBE) | $11,650 | $11,650 | $11,650 | $11,650 | $11,650 |
| Accumulated depreciation (as a % of LBE) | 69.2% | 78.2% | 87.0% | 95.8% | 100.0% |
| Liabilities (as a % of assets) | 82.4% | 62.6% | 47.1% | 24.7% | 21.0% |
| Unrestricted net assets | $31,689 | $56,217 | $119,788 | $129,819 | $150,919 |
| Temporarily restricted net assets | $5,444 | $15,444 | $25,194 | $24,750 | N/A |
| Permanently restricted net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Total restricted net assets | $5,444 | $15,444 | $25,194 | $24,750 | $119,750 |
| Total net assets | $37,133 | $71,661 | $144,982 | $154,569 | $270,669 |
Key data checks
| Key data checks info | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material data errors | No | No | No | No | No |
Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Documents
Executive Director
Gaby Sappington
Executive Director Gaby Sappington has held executive positions in the corporate and nonprofit sector: In the international departments of leading record companies (BMG Entertainment and SONY Classical) and at Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York. Gaby holds a M.A. in Sociology and Economic Science from the University of Vienna, Austria, and completed a series of Executive and Nonprofit Leadership training courses.
Number of employees
Source: IRS Form 990
WORLD MUSIC INSTITUTE INC
Officers, directors, trustees, and key employeesSOURCE: IRS Form 990
Compensation data
There are no highest paid employees recorded for this organization.
WORLD MUSIC INSTITUTE INC
Board of directorsas of 01/27/2023
Board of directors data
Mr. Andrew Faulkner
Retired Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Associates
Term: 2018 -
Mrs. Daisy Paradis
President, Howard Bayne Charitable Trust, Musician, Teacher
Term: 2018 -
Zette Emmons
Retired, former Manager of Traveling Exhibitions and Project Director, Special Exhibitions at The Newark Museum
Moez Doraid
Dir., Division of Mgmt. and Admin. of United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)
Kate Winn
Principal, Kate Winn Creative Communications, LLC
Neal Parikh
Computer Scientist and Startup Founder
John Habel
Retired Univ. Professor; radio co-host of The Sounds Global Show
Soon-Young Yoon
Chair of the Board, Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO), UN representative for the International Alliance of Women
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? No -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? No -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
We do not display disability information for organizations with fewer than 15 staff.
Equity strategies
Last updated: 01/26/2021GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We review compensation data across the organization (and by staff levels) to identify disparities by race.
- We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders.
- We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
- We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
Contractors
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- Letter of Determination
- Officer and/or Employee data for 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016
- Contractor and/or Paid Preparer data for 2020, 2019, 2018
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