Kuumbwa Jazz Society
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To provide opportunities in the Santa Cruz area and to enjoy and appreciate the full spectrum of jazz music through live performance and education. We present extraordinary regional, national and international musicians and provide educational programs for all ages.
- Income
- $2.1 million
- Spending
- $2.0 million
- Spent on programs
- 73%
- Reserves
- 14.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 39%
- Employees
- 46
- Volunteers
- 72
- Highest pay
- $112,544, secretary
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
Strong: 96 out of 100. Higher than 88% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 14.1 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 25% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 5% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 7% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1573% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 11 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
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2515 of 15 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports 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 (2)
- $1.5 million spent. Kuumbwa Jazz's mission is to provide opportunities for residents and visitors in Santa Cruz County to enjoy and appreciate the full spectrum of jazz through live performance and education. We present extraordinary regional, national and international musicians and provide educational programs for people of all ages. For over 40 years, KJ has brought the community into the creative presence of internationally acclaimed jazz artists. Presenting nearly 130 concerts a year, in addition to concerts in our 200-seat KJ Center, we also hold concerts in larger venues, allowing us to increase and diversify our audiences while generating revenue. KJ is committed to responsible stewardship and providing a respectful environment that supports artists as well as staff, volunteers, patrons and contributors.
- $26,024 spent. Through our comprehensive year round jazz education programs, we foster creative expression of the next generation of jazz artists and aficionados in the following jazz education programs: Kuumbwa Honor Jazz Band, an all-star group of high school musicians and community events during the school year. Annual Summer Jazz Camp offered to 8th-12th grad students, held at the Cabrillo College campus where enrolled students receive both group and individual instruction with a focus on improvisation, basic theory and concepts with scholarships guaranteed to students in need. Artists in the Schools program, is a direct service program bringing accomplished jazz artists and educators into Santa Cruz County school and classrooms teaching music students of alleges, and introducing them to jazz music and the elements of improvisation. Master Class Series, features renowned professional musicians who present hands-on workshops for musicians and enthusiasts of all levels. Discover Jazz is a friendly family introduction to jazz education programs for all ages. The Educator in Residence position is a prominent jazz artist/educator who works year-round for a two-year period with classroom teachers and student musicians that participate in Kuumbwa's education programs.
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
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 December 2024.
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 September 1975.
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.