The organisation of the charity

The roughly 18 members represent a variety of countries and bring experience from renowned and leading companies or institutions worldwide, helping to ensure international best-practice approaches and high standards of governance.

3 Committees

The work of the Executive Board is supported pro bono by six specialized committees. Each committee is chaired by a board member and works with 3–4 external experts. Meetings are held regularly – mostly virtually – and their recommendations flow directly into the Executive Board’s decisions.

The six committees are:

1. Strategy & Standing
2. Fundraising & Endowment
3. Investments, Operations & Reporting
4. Advisory & Development
5. Accountability, Audit, Risk & Tax
6. Compliance & Nomination

The roughly 18 committee members come from many countries and ensure international best-practice and governance standards. They contribute expertise from finance, law, culture, and philanthropy – along with fresh ideas for continuous improvement. In this way, the committees foster a living culture of innovation, professionalism, and transparency toward donors. At the same time, this structure guarantees accountability to the Board of Curators – the body that also includes supporters and patrons.

The names of the committee members will be published in the coming months.

 4 Board of Curators

The Board of Curators brings together internationally recognized figures from culture, science and business. With their experience, networks, and influence, they support the charity, the Vienna Boys Choir, and its partner organizations on their journey into the future.

Their roles are diverse:

• Ambassadors – outstanding international artists, musicians, and cultural or academic figures who serve as role models for the children and help carry the vision out into the world.
• Benefactors – supporters and benefactors whose generosity secures the charity’s future in the long term with their financial contributions
• Mentors – committee members, advisors, networkers, and door openers who provide active input.

Particularly influential are the Ambassadors: exceptional musicians and artists who embody what musical excellence means. They are role models for children and youth, and their involvement is more than support – it is an musical seal of quality for the WSK Vision network.

The Board of Curators holds no formal legal responsibility, but it plays a crucial role in increasing international visibility, providing guidance, and strengthening the charity’s global network. It is co-chaired by the Chairman of the American Friends of the Vienna Boys Choir and the President of the Vienna Boys Choir.

The names of the members will be published in the coming months.

5 Auditor and Accountability

The charity’s auditors are tasked with independently monitoring compliance with legal and tax regulations as well as the proper use of funds. WSK Vision collaborates with internationally recognized charity auditors to ensure the highest standards of transparency and professionalism.

In addition, the charity reports on several levels:

• Internally on a quarterly basis through the Accountability, Audit, Risk & Tax Committee
• Annually through external auditors who confirm accuracy and efficiency
• Annually to the Board of Curators, with a focus on finances, strategy, and the implementation of the vision
• Regularly to the relevant supervisory authorities, in accordance with applicable national legal requirements

By combining internal control, external review, and international best-practice standards, the charity ensures that every contribution is used responsibly.

6 Legal and tax framework

To engage supporters in the United States more directly, the charity is established as a public charity under U.S. law that meets the requirements of  Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended. More specifically, this would comprise tax-exempt status, transparency, and the efficient use of funds for charitable musical and educational projects that are determined at the public charity’s discretion in accordance with its charitable purpose.

The organization will operate under the name “American Friends of the Vienna Boys Choir” and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. As a public charity, it allows U.S. donors to make contributions that are tax-deductible under applicable U.S. federal income tax rules.

With this structure, we ensure that American supporters can contribute easily and effectively to the mission of the Vienna Boys Choir. At the same time, the charity structure assures that all donations comply with best-practice governance standards, and that contributions are applied directly to advancing music, education, and value-based personal development for the Wiener Saengerknaben.

Privacy & Donor Rights

We respect the privacy and rights of all our donors. Personal information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and will not be sold, traded, or shared with any third party. Donor data will be used solely for the purpose of processing contributions, issuing tax receipts, and communicating relevant updates about the charity’s work. Every donor has the right to review their personal information, to remain anonymous if desired, and to receive appropriate acknowledgement of their contributions.