Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Educate and promote jazz music awareness.
- Income
- $183,685
- Spending
- $138,162
- Reserves
- 22.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 50%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2026, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 85% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 22.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 25% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2026, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2026, 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 (3)
- $9,663 spent. In March, our stage was pulsing with Pulse and Power: An Evening with GRAMMY Winner Dan Pugach, Dan's explosive energy and bold arrangements, showed a fresh, modern edge that pushed big band jazz into exciting new territory! Our audience loved Dan's personal stories about his music and inspirations. Approximately 200 in attendance.
- $9,863 spent. We celebrated the holiday season with our Jingle Jazz: The Nutcracker Remix Album Release Party. This swinging holiday tradition features jazzy takes on classic carols, soulful seasonal surprises and plenty of cheer. This show is definitely a fan favorite and our biggest show of the season. This year's Jingle Jazz performance was extra special as we unveil our brand-new Nutcracker Remix CD featuring CCJO's adventurous "Nutcracker Remix" suite as well as three special bonus tracks featuring vocalist Mandy Gaines. This digital album is our second album, following Meet the CCJO released in 2024. In addition to selling physical CDs we invested in streaming opportunities and were honored to have our album streamed in Japan, Europe and US over the holiday season. Spreading the jazz around the world over the holidays was extra special when our board members heard songs on SiriusXM driving around Cincinnati. Additionally, our album reached #36 on The JazzWeek Jazz Album Chart in late December, which tracks national and international radio airplay. Approximately 420 in attendance over two nights.
- $7,180 spent. In February, we hosted world-renowned artist in More Than Meets the Ear: Trombonist Robin Eubanks. Robin fused innovation with tradition and brought his electrifying energy and virtuosity to a dynamic evening of contemporary jazz that showed our audiences new avenues in jazz and the trombone. Approximately 200 in attendance.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending June 30, 2026, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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.
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.
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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2026.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 2014.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
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.