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Ozark Action Inc

EIN 43-0838508 · West Plains, MO

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair62 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To coordinate and provide services for people with needs so they can improve their quality of life.

Income
$14.7 million
Spending
$14.4 million
Spent on programs
93%
Reserves
0.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 98%
Employees
228
Volunteers
705
Highest pay
$116,437, 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

Fair: 62 out of 100. Higher than 48% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 28% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 2% 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 June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    18 of 18 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a 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

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited 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 (6)
  1. $5.0 million spent. The Head Start program provides a pre-school learning experience for three and four year old children from low-income families and children with disabilities, coupled with a holistic emphasis on health, nutrition, social services and special services for children with identified disabilities through full parent involvement and participation. Ninety percent of the children supported by Head Start must come from low-income families. The income guidelines are determined by the federal government and are revised annually. Ten percent of the children enrolled in our Head Start program must be allocated for children with disabilities. Programs operate four days per week, four hours per day during September through May, in the counties of Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Texas and Wright.
  2. $4.4 million spent. The Community Services Block Grant, LIHEAP and related program services assists low-income families in need. Through a comprehensive assessment and eligibility determination, families are referred to local resources within our six county service area or directly assisted with energy assistance, emergency services, property tax filing, rent rebates, vehicle loan repair program, family support program services, weatherization and HUD applications.
  3. $2.2 million spent. The HUD housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable rental housing. Rental assistance is provide on behalf of the family, allowing the family to select their own home. Families may choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program. Generally, the family will pay 30% of their adjusted income toward housing costs (rent + utilities) with the balance in the form of rental assistance. Many families utilize rental assistance for a limited time while simultaneously working to improve other items affecting their lives. Housing rental assistance serves over 500 low-income families annually through HUD Section 8. Wait list priorities apply to all assistance.
  4. $839,076 spent. Weatherization
  5. $883,056 spent. WIA
  6. $113,223 spent. Other services

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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since November 1996.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.