About the Foundation

The Inver Grove Heights Public Safety Foundation (IGHPSF) is a nonprofit, community-driven organization dedicated to enhancing public safety in Inver Grove Heights through financial support, outreach, and innovation. Founded in 2021, our mission is to support the vital work of our local law enforcement agencies while fostering positive relationships between police officers and the community they serve.

The Foundation operates independently from the City of Inver Grove Heights Police Department. However, it collaborates closely with the department to identify and support priority needs that fall outside the scope of the city’s regular budget.

What We Do

The Foundation raises funds and provides resources that directly benefit public safety programs and initiatives, including:

Support Public Safety projects and initiatives with equipment and technology purchases
Youth engagement programs like Police Explorers and Shop with a Cop
K-9 Program development and care
Crime prevention outreach
Scholarships for ISD 199 graduates pursuing public safety careers
Victim assistance and community crisis support
Recognition of outstanding service in law enforcement

Our goal is to bridge the gap between community needs and available public resources, ensuring that public safety remains a shared responsibility supported by those who live and work in Inver Grove Heights.

Our Vision

To be a trusted and collaborative partner in public safety, strengthening community well-being through proactive advocacy and meaningful action that builds a safer, more connected Inver Grove Heights.

Our Board & volunteers

The Inver Grove Heights Public Safety Foundation is guided by a dedicated volunteer board committed to public service and the well-being of the community.

President: Matt Schaefer (2021 - Present)
Vice President: Rob Reitberger (2021 - Present)
Treasurer/Secretary: Jennifer Pieczka (2021 - Present)
Board Members: Joshua Otis (2022 - Present), Joe Atkins (2022 - Present)

Past Board & volunteers

Board Members:

Tom Bartholomew, Mayor (2021 - 2022)

Jerry Bauer (2021 - 2025)

Our Initiatives

K-9 Program Support

Youth Engagement & Development

K-9 Program Support

We fund the purchase, training, and care of K-9 program, helping officers protect the community with enhanced search, rescue, and detection capabilities.

Shop with a Cop

Youth Engagement & Development

K-9 Program Support

This community outreach event connects local youth with officers for a memorable shopping experience, building positive relationships and trust.

Youth Engagement & Development

Crime Prevention & Community Education

We provide scholarships to ISD 199 graduates pursuing careers in public safety and support the Police Explorers program to mentor future leaders.

Crime Prevention & Community Education

We fund educational campaigns and tools that empower residents to reduce crime, increase awareness, and foster safer neighborhoods.

Victim & Family Assistance

Crime Prevention & Community Education

Officer Recognition & Wellness

The Foundation offers financial support to victims of crime and their families, helping them recover and rebuild in times of need.

Officer Recognition & Wellness

Crime Prevention & Community Education

Officer Recognition & Wellness

We honor heroic service, sponsor wellness programs, and help boost officer morale through appreciation initiatives and recognition events.

Innovative Public Safety Projects

We provide funding, equipment, and resources to support creative, forward-thinking initiatives that enhance public safety in new ways.

Making a Difference

K9 Program Support

The Foundation fosters strong relationships between the K-9 program and local businesses, organizations, and community members, promoting positive engagement and mutual support.

The Foundation's accomplishments

K-9 Equipment

“The IGH Public Safety Foundation has been instrumental in supporting the Department's K-9 program. I have had the opportunity to work with the foundation for training, equipment, and fundraising. Their ongoing dedication to the K-9 program is unmatched.”

Sergeant Ryan Rose

Career Development

K9 Program Support

The Foundation's Scholarship was established to support individuals pursuing careers in public safety. Aimed at reducing the financial burden of tuition, the scholarship is intended for students enrolled in coursework related to public safety management, law enforcement, corrections, firefighting, or emergency medical services. This scholarship is offered in partnership with the IGH B.E.S.T. Foundation as a community-based opportunity.

2024 Scholarship recipient:

Jazelle Lozano

Hamline University

Criminology

2025 Scholarship recipient:

Nathan Abrahamson

Inver Hills Community College

Law Enforcement

Community Outreach

K9 Program Support

Community Outreach

Each year, we help bring a touch of holiday magic to local children and their families, while creating meaningful opportunities for the IGH Police Department to build positive relationships with youth in our community.

Since 2021, the program has provided holiday support to dozens of families:

2021: 20 children and families supported | Budget: $3,235
2022: 19 children and families supported | Budget: $3,590
2023: 15 children and families supported | Budget: $3,120
2024: 16 children and families supported | Budget: $3,406

About the Foundation

What We Do

Our Vision

Our Board & volunteers

Past Board & volunteers

Our Initiatives

K-9 Program Support

Youth Engagement & Development

K-9 Program Support

Shop with a Cop

Youth Engagement & Development

K-9 Program Support

Youth Engagement & Development

Youth Engagement & Development

Crime Prevention & Community Education

Crime Prevention & Community Education

Crime Prevention & Community Education

Crime Prevention & Community Education

Victim & Family Assistance

Crime Prevention & Community Education

Officer Recognition & Wellness

Officer Recognition & Wellness

Crime Prevention & Community Education

Officer Recognition & Wellness

Innovative Public Safety Projects

Innovative Public Safety Projects

Innovative Public Safety Projects

Making a Difference

K9 Program Support

K9 Program Support

K9 Program Support

Career Development

K9 Program Support

K9 Program Support

Community Outreach

K9 Program Support

Community Outreach

Photo Gallery

Support Our Mission

Donate with Venmo

The Foundation is a registered 501(C)(3)

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