Kows Community Radio

What it says it does

KOWS-lp FM is an FCC licensed Community Radio Station broadcasting from Occidental, CA, and serving West Sonoma County.The programmers at KOWS are dedicated to broadcast original, locally produced programming with music, information, interviews, and other shows, from a local, national and international perspective. We continue to teach real-world broadcasting, and management job skills and we will utilize new technology to enhance our broadcast, web and social media presences. Our goal is to provide exceptional quality programming, that is diverse, and which is inspired by the lives of our local residents.We serve as the voice of a small, local community, and also join our voice with the rich and diverse voices of other small communities throughout the world. We will also ensure that local emergency information, and news, is relayed promptly and accurately, so that the listening audience can be informed on all issues of importance.

Income

$18,537

Spending

$19,651

Reserves

2.1 months of spending

Largest source of income

donations and private grants, 100%

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

Financial health

We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.

Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 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.

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

Legitimacy checks

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   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.

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   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.

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   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.

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   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 September 7, 2026.

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   How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

   Recognized by the IRS since September 2015.

   Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

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   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.