Due to IRS error, the NRO temporarily removed from Colorado Gives Day

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After outpouring of support, NRO able to join final phase of the Colorado Gives Day campaign

In mid-October, the National Repertory Orchestra was notified that they no longer appeared on the IRS nonprofit ‘master file’ and therefore could not take part in the statewide Colorado Gives Day campaign. The issue arose from a simple IRS systems error, and as a result, the National Repertory Orchestra is now having to make up for lost fundraising time before the end of the year.

Thanks to the diligent efforts of many, including NRO Director of Development Åsa Armstrong, Colorado’s Taxpayer Advocate Services, and Colorado Gives Day Regional Champion and Executive Director of The Summit Foundation, Jeanne Bistranin, the mistake has been remediated.

“The community saw it was an erroneous mistake that was out of our control and so they came together to support us,” said NRO Chief Executive Officer Dave DePeters. “Knowing this is one of the most crucial times of fundraising for nonprofits, it was a significant issue. We are grateful for all who participated and responded so quickly, but it is impossible to know to what extent this has impacted our year-end fundraising efforts.”

The IRS initially informed the NRO that it would take at least 8 weeks before they were restored to the ‘master file,’ essentially eliminating the organization from the 2024 year-end Colorado Gives Day campaign.

Despite the stated timeline, with the swift correction of the IRS issue, the NRO successfully reapplied to be part of the Colorado Gives Day and now has an active fundraising page on the site. However, the NRO has already missed 3 weeks of the critical year-end giving season — the organization typically raises about $30,000 through the Colorado Gives Day campaign each year.

“The great news is there are two ways to give this season, through our website and happily, also through Colorado Gives Day,” DePeters says. “We are extremely relieved and grateful for all who stood by us and for those who helped smooth out the error.”

Funds donated to the NRO, directly or through Colorado Gives, go toward their music and educational programs. The Summer Music Festival includes more than 100 performances, about 20 percent of which are ticketed full orchestral concerts featuring many of the world’s most talented young musicians. The majority of the NRO’s performances are free concerts, community engagement events, and education programs presented throughout Summit County.

The NRO intentionally creates accessible ticket prices to allow anyone the ability to enjoy world-class live music, and ticket sales revenue only covers about 15 percent of the NRO’s operating budget. The remaining 85 percent is generated through philanthropic giving.

About the National Repertory Orchestra:

The National Repertory Orchestra (NRO), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is honored to reside in Breckenridge, Colorado, and proud to celebrate over 60 years educating the next generation of classical musicians with its prestigious, tuition-free program.

Each year, at the acclaimed Summer Music Festival, 80 talented musicians are selected to perform more repertoire than any other festival of its kind. Led by Music Director Michael Stern and joined by world-renowned guest conductors, the NRO performs as many as 18 concerts and over 85 free events in Summit County and throughout Colorado.

The NRO provides life-changing experiences to aspiring professional musicians, preparing them to shape the future of classical music. Our alumni can be found in major orchestras around the world and have taken on influential roles throughout the classical music industry.