HFI and BHS Operational Alignment

A Stronger Future in Harmony: BHS and HFI Announce Operational Alignment

The Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) and Harmony Foundation International (HFI) are excited to announce a significant strategic decision to align our operational and legal structures, effective January 1, 2026. This move, which follows months of collaboration by the boards for both organizations to achieve a more mutually beneficial partnership, creates an optimized framework to better serve our members, chapters and donors.

HFI will become a Type I Supporting Organization of BHS. This legal and operational structure defines a supporting relationship. BHS will have purview over the Foundation’s functions and results, allowing for a unified vision and execution of our shared mission to bring people together in harmony.

Key Benefits of this Re-structure

This transition is designed to strategically leverage the core strengths of both organizations: HFI’s successful outreach and donor-centric approach and BHS’s proven financial stewardship.

Unified Mission and Financial Strength

  • Streamlined Operations: Consolidated communication and philanthropy operations will create a clearer pathway for members and donors to support the Society mission to preserve and expand the future of barbershop.

  • Proven Stewardship: A unified operating model of financial management will leverage demonstrated strong financial health in recent years and ensure discipline in investing strategically to expand our mission and outreach.

Enhanced Program and Community Impact

HFI has been a vital bridge, connecting financial catalysts directly to life-enriching programs. This new structure will strengthen and expand those efforts:

  • Music Education & Community Programs: BHS will build on HFI’s work to fund music education and community programs, promoting and advancing opportunities for lifelong singing by raising awareness of the physical, emotional and societal benefits of harmony.

  • Sustaining Local Efforts: The new structure strengthens the financial resources provided through grant programs essential to sustaining local chapters, districts and organizations across the country.

What Happens During the Transition (through December 31, 2025)

The Society’s current agreement with HFI remains fully in place through the end of the current year.

  • Operations Continue: BHS and HFI operations and support of our community will not be affected, and our goal of bringing people together in harmony will remain unchanged.

  • Giving Continues: We encourage members and donors to continue giving to specific BHS programs through HFI during this time. Your gifts will be used exactly as intended.

  • Commitment to Staff: Leaders from both organizations are working diligently to ensure a smooth process for staff, members, and donors while optimizing success.

We look forward with great excitement to this next chapter—a stronger, more collaborative future rooted in inclusion, service, and humanity. This work will be done in the longstanding spirit of excellence and communication of the Barbershop Harmony Society.


Questions? For detailed questions regarding this transition, please contact the teams at BHS and HFI.

David Mills, HFI Board of Trustees Vice-Chair Kevin Keller, BHS Board of Directors President

dmills@harmonyfoundation.org BHSPresident@barbershop.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Yes. As a Type I Supporting Organization, Harmony Foundation International (HFI) will remain a public charity. Your contributions are eligible for the maximum deductibility limits under the IRS code. This reclassification does not change the tax status for your donation.

  • HFI will now be legally structured to exclusively support the specific mission and purposes of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). The funds and activities will continue to be directed toward benefiting that specific supported mission.

  • BHS and HFI will work closely with both programs to discuss future plans. We anticipate positive collaborations to continue the meaningful partnerships that have been established.

  • No. The reclassification formalizes the relationship between HFI and BHS, and it ensures more direct alignment between the two organizations in their operations and decision making.

  • All 2025 donors will continue to enjoy the same recognition. Future stewardship efforts will be evaluated to ensure that our donors are recognized for their impact on the mission.

  • For donors to HFI, there are no new restrictions.

  • As a Type I Supporting Organization, HFI will operate as a subsidiary of BHS, which will be responsible for its oversight and operations. This model simplifies and consolidates mission and financial management, creating the potential for cost reduction and mission enhancement.

  • We will be working through each decision related to the operations of each organization as carefully as possible with consideration for the impact on each individual and our broader community, and will thoughtfully approach each necessary change. We are committed to making decisions that are as fair and supportive to our staff as possible, recognizing their invaluable contributions to our success, while keeping the interests of our members and donors at the forefront. A transition of this magnitude requires extensive evaluation of resources and careful decision making. We will notify each individual impacted as we move through the process. 

  • This structure was established through mutual agreement by both boards, reflecting a shared confidence in its potential for long-term success. It aligns HFI and BHS in mission, operations, and in their service to members and donors alike.

  • No. Harmony Foundation International, Inc. will remain an active 501(c)(3) nonprofit but will transition to a Type I Supporting Organization of the Barbershop Harmony Society. It will continue as a separate legal entity focused on endowment management and grant-making in support of the BHS and its ecosystem of chapters, districts, and subsidiary organizations operating under the BHS governance system.