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San Diego Police Foundation

EIN 33-0785173 · San Diego, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair64 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

We proudly supports Americas finest police department by cultivating positive community engagement and helping fund vital equipment and specialize training that ensures peace and safety for all.

Income
$1.9 million
Spending
$1.9 million
Spent on programs
55%
Reserves
10.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 71%
Employees
13
Volunteers
43
Highest pay
$226,163, president and ceo

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: 64 out of 100. Higher than 32% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 10.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 20% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    12 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 28% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    55% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 31 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 57% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 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 (1)
  1. $1.0 million spent. Since its inception in 1998, the San Diego Police Foundation has granted over 10 million to support the San Diego Police Department SDPD through funding for equipment, training, and community programs. In the past year, the Foundation enhanced public safety and community engagement through initiatives such as Inside SDPD, which strengthens trust between officers and residents, and the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, honoring nearly 1,000 volunteers. Additional support included Cadet uniforms, youth engagement programs, and Police Plaza improvements to aid recruitment and community interaction.The Foundation funded critical technology, including support for the Real Time Operations Center RTOC, advanced binoculars for investigations, resuscitator kits for first responders, and a SMART Board for coordinated tactical planning. Training investments included gang enforcement education and 50 Womens Leadership Scholarships to advance female officers.The K9 Crimefighters Program funded nine new canines, including specialized detection dogs, along with safety equipment and training resources. The SafetyNet Program reached 15,789 individuals with internet safety education, contributing to over 332,000 individuals served since inception.The Women in Blue Initiative continued to support recruitment, retention, and leadership development through conferences, mentorship, and scholarships. These efforts reflect the Foundations commitment to equipping SDPD with the tools and training needed to protect and serve the community effectively. Continued - CyberChat with SafetyNet launched to further educate participants on cybersecurity risks and online safety practices. The Women in Blue Initiative continued to elevate women in law enforcement through leadership training, mentorship, and networking. The Foundation supported Quarterly Womens Leadership Conferences and the Annual Womens Hiring Expo, promoting the recruitment and retention of female officers. These accomplishments underscore the Foundations commitment to enhancing public safety, supporting SDPD personnel, and fostering community partnerships.

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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since April 1999.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 21, 2026.

  7. Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.

    A much larger organization has a similar name: U C San Diego Foundation (La Jolla, CA), EIN 95-2872494. If that is the one you meant, check the EIN before giving.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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.