Police foundation
In many cities, counties and states throughout the United States, local charitable organizations or "police foundations" have been created. Police foundations—nonprofit organizations that help raise money and provide resources for police programs, equipment, and special needs that cannot be readily provided through public sector funds—offer a promising source of support in bridging funding gaps. This often includes support for specialized training and equipment that is important for citizen and officer safety, including body armor and support for community programs associated with public safety, such as youth Police Explorer programs. In 2010, it was estimated that at least 25 local police foundations existed, although nearly 100 are listed below.  Although local police foundations play a very important role in supporting law enforcement, they have not been without controversy in some locations. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) partnered with the Target Corporation to hold a series of training workshops around the U.S. to "provide business leaders, elected officials, police chiefs, and foundation board members and staff with the basic tools to establish and grow a police foundation." These workshops were conducted by representatives of the New York City Police Foundation.

A listing of local police foundations is provided below: