The F.L.E.O. Foundation Has Your Back
"When a federal law enforcement officer and their family are impacted by tragic circumstances, help will be just a phone call away." That was the inspired vision of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers (F.L.E.O.) Foundation's first president, Bob Van Etten. Today, the spirit of Bob's vision serves as the mantra for the F.L.E.O. Foundation.
In September of 1993, the F.L.E.O. Foundation was incorporated as an IRC 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Today, the Foundation serves as the primary source of charitable support for the 30,000+ members of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (https://link.edgepilot.com/x/Ju6wpMM7vycQEYEovMu0rhc?u=http://www.fleoa.org/), a 501 (c) (8) non-profit professional association.
The concept of the F.L.E.O. Foundation began in 1993 when R.O. Johnson, a FLEOA Founding Officer, approached FLEOA President Vic Oboyski about the idea of forming a charitable organization in support of the FLEOA membership. Through FLEOA President Oboyski's leadership, and with the support of the FLEOA Board, the Foundation was formed. Founding Officer Johnson was honored to make the first deposit in the Foundation's new bank account.
Under President Oboyski's leadership, initial sources of donations were identified and the Foundation was enrolled as a participant in the Combined Federal Campaign. FLEOA's inaugural president, Robert "Bob" Van Etten was selected as the first Foundation President, along with Vice President John Bannon and Treasurer Tom Casey.
The Foundation was created to provide expedited financial assistance to FLEOA members and their families in times of tragic need. Since its inception, the F.L.E.O. Foundation has awarded thousands of scholastic incentive awards to FLEOA members’ children, as well as more than $4 million in emergency financial support. The Motorola Solutions Foundation has been a champion supporter of the Foundation through their annual grant program.
Currently, the F.L.E.O. Foundation stands ready to provide prompt financial support to any of FLEOA's 34,000 plus members who are suffering from tragic or debilitating circumstances. Irrespective of their agency or rank, FLEOA members from 65 different federal agencies are eligible for emergency support. That could be a member currently in one of the academies, a field investigator, an officer or agent, a supervisor, or even a director. All ranks and grade levels are eligible for assistance.
As a charitable organization, The F.L.E.O. Foundation continues to participate in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC #54726), and applies all funds raised in support of its members. Whether it’s for a line of duty death, injury or debilitating medical issue, the Foundation responds and delivers help to FLEOA members and their immediate families in need promptly.
This year will mark the third time the F.L.E.O. Foundation hosts an annual 9/11 Ceremony and Reception at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. During the ceremony, the Foundation and invited guests will honor our fallen 9/11 heroes by reading their names and paying tribute to their ultimate sacrifice. This includes both the 72 heroes who died on 9/11/01, and all those warriors who have since perished from medical ailments associated with their sustained exposure to toxins on the impacted grounds.
The F.L.E.O. Foundation also hosts an annual awards ceremony in New York City to recognize a distinguished “Law Enforcement Leader of the Year.” During this awards ceremony, the F.L.E.O. Foundation also recognizes a “Law Enforcement Patriot of the Year” that has demonstrated outstanding support for those who uphold the “Thin Blue Line.” The ceremony is hosted by Board of Trustees Chairman David Mack and Board Trustee Peter Kalikow and is attended by law enforcement executives and the F.L.E.O. Foundation’s distinguished Board of Directors and Trustees. We are honored to receive powerful support for many years from the Centurion Foundation.
FLEOA and the F.L.E.O. Foundation offer corporations or individuals many ways to show their support with four sponsorship levels. If you know of any business that may be interested in sponsoring the Foundation, please ask them to visit the FLEOA.org website under the “Become a Sponsor” link for more information. To learn about specific F.L.E.O. Foundation sponsor opportunities, please ask them to contact F.L.E.O. Foundation Director of Communications Wendy Cheung at outreach@fleoafoundation.org.
The F.L.E.O. Foundation is proud to have ProFeds (https://link.edgepilot.com/x/UHrOgLdQoQGoSC14ul1tO8E?u=http://www.profeds.com/) and FEDS Protection (https://link.edgepilot.com/x/YqecJoLrPbPCVa-Q9QxhaFc?u=http://www.fedsprotection.com/) as longstanding lead corporate sponsors. The Foundation is also honored to be sponsored by Livingston Financial, ARC Relocation, Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions, and Waymaker Wealth Management. The Foundation is also greatly appreciative of its longstanding relationship with Shaw Bransford & Roth, P.C., and both FedAgent and FedManager.
The F.L.E.O. Foundation Board and its committees are staffed by 100% volunteer leaders and the Foundation applies 93% of the donations received in support of those in need. The 7% is applied towards administrative expenses and having an annual independent audit conducted.
The Foundation also leads a Law Enforcement Advisory Council (LEAC) comprised of generous patriots who serve as State Directors across the United States. Additionally, the Foundation is a proud participant in the annual Big Blue Bash, Boston BFit Challenge and the Dream Giveaway Sweepstakes.
If you are a FLEOA member and in need of emergency assistance, there are a few ways to connect with us. You can contact your FLEOA agency or chapter president and they will assist in getting the required information in support of the request. Alternatively, you can call FLEOA member services or email outreach@fleoafoundation.org. While the F.L.E.O. Foundation prioritizes its support for current FLEOA members, its Board will consider extraordinary requests from federal law enforcement officers who are not yet FLEOA members.
If you would like to contribute to the F.L.E.O. Foundation, please visit https://https://link.edgepilot.com/x/FF2h6e7mLikk9sBmcEVqA18?u=http://www.fleoafoundation.org/ and hit the 'DONATE' button today. You can also mail a contribution to the F.L.E.O. Foundation at:
The F.L.E.O. Foundation
C/O Marco Dias, Treasurer
2288 Blue Water Blvd., Suite 337
Odenton, MD 21113
Your generous donations may be tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by state law in your state of residence and by federal law and the IRS. Please check with your tax return professional before filing an income tax return.
The F.L.E.O. Foundation's financial records are audited annually by an independent C.P.A. accounting firm, and are also reviewed by an independent Compliance Officer throughout the year. We respect every dollar donated and are committed to being fully accountable and transparent in our operations.
May God bless all our active and retired law enforcement warriors, as well as all our fallen heroes and their families.
In honor and faith,
Jon Adler
National President
F.L.E.O. Foundation
