The Columbus Police Foundation is an independent, non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to fostering public safety through community-building, education, and outreach. The Foundation works to ensure that the men and women who dedicate their lives to protection and service are given the extra tools, resources, and training they need to succeed and build stronger connections to the community.
We sponsor human rights, civil rights and diversity training, organize community conversations, distribute life-saving equipment, and provide benefits for the families of deceased or injured safety officers. The Foundation is also working with the Columbus Division of Police to plan and fund a new and innovative educational mobile center: The Center for Learning, Understanding, and Engagement (CLUE). Through interactive exhibits and wide-ranging programming, CLUE will educate community members about the crucial work of the police division, while providing a forum for dialogue and mutual understanding.
The Columbus Police Foundation, (the Foundation), was incorporated in 2009 in the State of Ohio and is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We depend entirely on the generosity of corporations, individuals, foundations, and philanthropic organizations for our project and operation budgets.
The Columbus Police Foundation promotes public safety by providing resources and support to enhance the work of the Columbus Division of Police.
Our Goals:
To raise awareness and educate the public about the mission, role, and challenges of the Columbus Division of Police, its officers, and its personnel.
To improve communication and understanding between the police and the broader Columbus community.
To create training opportunities for members of the police division to increase their understanding and knowledge of best practices within the field and how to stay connected to the diverse community they serve.
To foster greater appreciation for diversity among members of the Columbus Division of Police.
To increase police effectiveness by supporting the acquisition of new and improved technology and equipment.
To provide support not available from public funding to supplement the needs of the Columbus Division of Police
Our Programs:
Projects that the Police Foundation has already supported:
Tourniquets (Multiple lives have already been saved!)
US Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National African-American Museum of History and Culture in Washington, D.C. training visits
Refreshments and food for CPD events such as: Community Dialogues in Columbus neighborhoods, CPD’s 200-year anniversary celebration, annual recruiting EXPOs, and hosting CALEA re-accreditation assessors
Franklin Covey training for approximately 100 Division leaders titled: "Diversity-Centered Leadership"
Support for the Division’s Law Enforcement United bike ride to the Police Memorial in Washington D.C.
Materials to provide to students who have attended youth programs such as the Police Exploration Camp
Steven M. Smith Memorial Fund (from White Hats)
CPD badge pins for children for distribution at community events
Development of a Center for Learning, Understanding and Engagement
Equipment for vehicles used by new K-9 Therapy dogs
Our Major Donors
American Electric Power, L Brands, Nationwide Insurance, Columbus Jewish Foundation Social Justice Fund, Eydie, Don and Jennifer Garlikov Fund, BakerHostetler, Wolfe Family Associates, Huntington Banks, Columbia Gas of Ohio, NiSource Charitable Foundation, Wexner Family Fund, Crabbe, Brown, & James, The Columbus Partnership, Sandra Paul
Our Board of Directors
The Columbus Police Foundation is an independent body governed by a Board of Directors, each of whom serves on a volunteer basis without compensation.
Jennifer E. Edwards
Foundation Board President
Partner
BakerHostetler
John Talamo
Foundation Board Vice President
Senior Vice President, Loss Prevention
L Brands
Kesha Garrett
Foundation Board Secretary
Executive Assistant
Columbus Partnership
Nicholas Coale
Foundation Board Treasurer
Director, Finance and Business Outsourcing
Cardinal Health
John Rockwell
Foundation Board Member
Retired Deputy Chief
Columbus Division of Police
Kimberlee L. Kiehl, Ph.D.
Foundation Board Member
Director, Museum of Ohio Project
Ohio History Connection
Lee Neutzling
Foundation Board Member
Director of Security
Safelite Group
Tim Bailey
Foundation Board Member
Program Manager and Training Coordinator
John Glenn College of Public Affairs
Sam Queeno
Foundation Board Member
Director, Physical Security
American Electric Power
Walter L. Distelzweig
Foundation Board Member
Retired Chief of Police
Columbus Division of Police
Dwight Holcomb
Foundation Board Member
Retired Chief of Police
Upper Arlington
Miranda Vollmer
Foundation Board Member
Human Resources Director
City of Gahanna
Stanley Partlow
Foundation Board Advisor
Vice President and Chief Security Officer
American Electric Power
Our Staff
Kim Jacobs
Executive Director
Retired Chief of Police
Columbus Division of Police
Barbara Brandt
Philanthropy
Gary J. Thatcher
Foundation Board Webmaster
Retired Deputy Chief
Columbus Division of Police
