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Los Gatos Public Media Inc

EIN 27-4500692 · Los Gatos, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair58 out of 100GovernanceFair56 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

KCAT TV15 contributes to the vitality of our Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and SiliconValley communities by serving as a connection for people to have a voice, sharetheir views, and produce local original content for broadcast. We educate, inform,entertain, and inspire, which ignites civic engagement, fosters involvement, andtells our community stories through the magic of television, radio, and digitalmedia. KCAT brings a voice and value to our residents by memorializing importantevents, and providing youth, teens, and seniors with opportunities to create, learn,and connect.

Income
$409,242
Spending
$426,305
Spent on programs
93%
Reserves
2.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 60%
Employees
3
Highest pay
$106,704, executive dir.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 58 out of 100. Higher than 26% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 4% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 11% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    93% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 56 out of 100. Higher than 24% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 8 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (1)
  1. $397,941 spent. KCAT TV supports the Town government by filming, broadcasting and livestreaming all Los Gatos Town Council, Planning Commission and other special meetings. KCAT is on-the-scene year-round filming and livestreaming to memorialize local events such as the Los Gatos High School and middle school Graduations, Los Gatos Holiday Parade, Veterans Day Ceremonies, and Town events. KCAT proudly creates and produces original local TV shows and Video Podcast content such as Coffee&Candidates, Community Storytelling, Jazz Tonight, The Kimball Hooker Show, Lit with Lloyd, Wine with Bill and many more. KCAT offers video production services for nonprofits, corporations, community organizations, and student projects, as well as year-round TV Broadcasting, Podcasting, and Digital Storytelling camps and classes educating hundreds of students and adults. Most recently KCAT has launched The Producers Network for Adults 55+ to utilize their everyday skills to create TV content, have a voice, and tell their stories. KCAT TV & RADIO studios are open to the community for classes, shows and DIY services.As the local non-profit public TV station and media center, KCAT gives a voice to Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and Silicon Valley communities by igniting civic engagement, fostering involvement, and telling our stories through the magic of television and digital media. KCAT brings value and voice to our community by memorializing important events, supporting our schools, educating youth and young adults with knowledge and opportunities and enabling meaningful ways for seniors to volunteer and contribute.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since August 2014.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.