About us
The Gardena Police Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides supplemental resources directly to the Gardena Police Department in the form of grant funds. The Gardena Police Foundation is a premier example of community-police partnership to help make Gardena one of the safest cities in the South Bay.
A focus on public safety
The idea for the Gardena Police Foundation emerged from discussions on public safety needs in our business corridors amongst members of the City's Small Business Task Force.
The Foundation supports local community programs, such as the Gardena Juvenile Justice & Intervention Program, the Gardena Police Explorer Program, the Senior Day Care Center, & other Gardena community programs.
Additionally, the Foundation has its own educational scholarship program, providing graduating high school seniors each with a $4,000 scholarship.
A brief history
Gene Hale, Chair of the Task Force, shared his experience with the Los Angeles Police Foundation, of which he serves as Vice-Chair. An exploratory meeting was held on July 19, 2006, hosted by the Hustler Casino to garner support from business leaders in the city. Many rose to the occasion and began meeting as the Founder's Committee to establish a non-profit corporation that would serve as the largest source of private funding for public safety in Gardena. Fully organized and supported by committed business people, the Gardena Police Foundation was incorporated on September 14, 2006.
Funding priorities
- Crime Prevention
- Advanced Equipment and Technology
- Training
- Youth Programs
- Community Relations