Madison Community Policing Foundation Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Madison Community Policing Foundation (MCPF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2016 by retired officers from the City of Madison WI Police Department. MCPF seeks to advance community policing by pursuing three primary goals: 1 - SUPPORT both financially and with volunteers, any community policing activities or events which bring police officers, youth, adults and the elderly together. 2 - HONOR those men and women police officers working in our communities today and those who service in the past. 3- GROW the relationship between police and community through any and all means.
- Income
- $190,717
- Spending
- $113,689
- Reserves
- 12.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 78% of charities in its peer group (public safety and disaster relief, under $250k).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 12.4 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 40% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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, 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 (3)
- $60,327 spent. Community Policing Advisory Board Project with the Madison Police Department: In October 2022, the City of Madison received a "Community Policing Development Microgrant" from the United States Department of Justice to create Community Policing Advisory Boards (CPABs) in each of MPD's six police districts. In January 2023, MCPF signed a multi-year contract for $133,000 to help implement the citizen Advisory Boards and better coordinate MCPF's support of the MPD's broader community policing mission. Since July 2023, MCPF recruited and retained 30 citizens to serve as "community policing advisors" to MPD command staff in each of MPD's six police districts. The advisors are sub-contractors to MCPF and receive a modest hourly stipend to meet monthly with command staff and district officers to build greater trust and legitimacy between MPD and the community. The Community Policing Advisory Boards help plan, organize and host a wide array of events that bring MPD officers and the community together in a positive, fun, family-oriented atmosphere. Federal funding for this initiative is anticipated to end in 2026. At that time, MPD and MCPF will seek local funding sources to continue the CPAB program. * Total USDOJ/MPD grant related revenue received in 2025: $48,251.21 (e.g. reimbursement income from MPD on this contract received for Q4 2024 & Q1-Q3 2025 invoiced expenses). * Total USDOJ/MPD CPAB grant related "reimbursable" expenses incurred in 2025: $55,179 (1099 NEC payments, operating supplies, indirect costs). * Total USDOJ/MPD CPAB grant related "non-reimbursable" expenses incurred by MCPF in 2025: $5,147 * 1099 NEC 2025 tax year reportable income in the total: $40,972 ($14,012 CPAB Advisors; $26,960 Elizabeth Merfeld Project Coordination)
- $20,701 spent. MCPF-MPD Community Read Program: During the summer of 2025, MCPF with support from MPD held the 7th year of our "Community Read" program in the MPD's West Police District. In May and early June, the MCPF Community Read project coordinator and program tutors (e.g. current teachers) conduct outreach to youth and families in the West Police District's Meadowood neighborhood. Approximately 20 youth were selected for the seven week summer program and paired with a reading specialist (e.g. tutor) who completed a reading assessment and reading improvement plan for the youth based on the assessment. Over seven weeks, youth meet with their tutor for one hour every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. At the end of the program, current and retired MPD officers prepare and serve a pancake breakfast at the Meadowood Community Center and each youth is recognized and celebrated for participating in the program. * Total expenditures for Community Read tutor services and project coordination (1099-NEC; $16,387). * Total Community Read student stipends via VISA gift cards ($3,270) * Community Read program miscellaneous supplies & expenses ($1,044)
- $29,883 spent. General MCPF Community Policing Activities: MCPF provides significant financial support to dozens of other requests from the Madison Police Department (MPD) and other local police departments supporting community policing events and activities. Some noteworthy 2025 expenditures include: * MPD Public Safety Cadet program ($8,532). * MPD-MFD commemorative challenge coin project in aftermath of a mass casualty event in December 2024 at Abundant Life Christian School ($6,146). * MPD Community Outreach Team Thanksgiving Meal Collaboration with Metcalfe's Market ($2,667). * MPD Awards Ceremony at Monona Terrace & Convention Center ($1,878). * MPD Chief of Police Swearing In Ceremony ($1,375) * Catering services for the funeral of an MPD officer who suffered a fatal heart attack while on duty ($1,054). * MPD Youth Leadership Academy apparel ($1,045). * Madison Area Recovery Initiative VISA gift cards for treatment & recovery program "Completers" ($1,039). * Numerous other community policing events and activities ($6,147).
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, 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 November 6, 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 2025.
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 March 2016.
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 November 4, 2026.
Could it be confused with another charity? Worth knowing.
A much larger organization has a similar name: Madison Community Foundation (Madison, WI), EIN 39-6038248. 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.