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Kansas City Jazz Orchestra

EIN 32-0070205 · Kansas City, MO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceGood71 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra is dedicated to promoting the rich culture of Kansas City through performance and education. We strive to be a leading voice, ensuring that Kansas City's influential jazz tradition continues to thrive and evolve.

Income
$557,133
Spending
$520,902
Spent on programs
68%
Reserves
2.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 58%
Employees
6
Volunteers
13
Highest pay
$71,845, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 48% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 14% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 7% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 6% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    68% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 71 out of 100. Higher than 47% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    12 of 12 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a 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 June 30, 2025, 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 (2)
  1. $335,263 spent. The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra (KCJO) continued its steady evolution during the 2024-2025 season, building on more than two decades of artistic growth while clarifying its mission, organizational structure, and long-term sustainability. Founded in 2003 by retired attorney Gene Hall, along with jazz musician and educator Jim Mair and his wife Mary, KCJO was created to preserve, perform, and advance the Kansas City jazz tradition through large-ensemble performance and education. Gene Hall, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in the organization's founding and early success, passed away in 2024. His commitment to Kansas City's cultural life continues to guide the organization's work. KCJO's 20th anniversary season marked a significant inflection point for the organization. Anniversary performances at the Folly Theater featuring Marilyn Maye, who appeared at the Orchestra's inaugural concert in November 2003, brought together longtime supporters, original ensemble members, and new audiences. These performances coincided with a comprehensive rebranding effort and prompted a period of strategic assessment focused on financial sustainability, public awareness, and internal operations. Collectively, these efforts reflect KCJO's transition from anniversary reflection to forward-looking implementation. The 2024-2025 season positioned the organization for continued artistic excellence, improved financial health, expanded educational reach, and sustained community impact.
  2. $21,225 spent. Education remained a core component of KCJO's mission and strategic planning. A specific objective of the plan was to expand access to jazz education for students and educators in both urban and rural school districts. KCJO advanced this goal through multiple initiatives, including summer camp partnerships and conference performances. During the summer of 2024, KCJO musicians visited 19 locations across the region and reached an estimated 2,000 students, many of whom attend schools with limited access to arts programming. In addition, KCJO performed at the Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA) Conference, reaching more than 800 Missouri music educators and students and increasing statewide awareness of KCJO's educational and artistic resources.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, 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 June 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 May 2003.

    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.