The Milledgeville Police Department has established the Friends of the Milledgeville Police Foundation to allow citizens to directly support the agency.
In 2023, the Georgia General Assembly passed state legislation that allows taxpayers in the state to claim tax credit for supporting public safety efforts by contributing to qualified law enforcement foundations. MPD Chief Dray Swicord proposed establishing the foundation to the Milledgeville City Council for this reason at the Aug. 26 meeting. It was met with positive feedback from the council.
“This means individuals and businesses can directly support our agency while receiving dollar-for-dollar reduction on their Georgia state taxes, up to the limits set by law,” said Swicord. “All funds are to be used to directly support MPD officers through the purchase of equipment, training, officer wellness, and community engagement programs.”
According to Swicord, MPD worked with local business leaders to develop the foundation. Its by-laws have been written and vetted by City Attorney Jimmy Jordan.
Swicord said the foundation has already been incorporated with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office and has obtained a tax ID (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service.
“The Foundation is currently pending approval as both a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a Qualified Law Enforcement Foundation under Georgia law,” said Swicord. “The foundation will operate under strict federal and state guidelines for nonprofit organizations, ensuring donations are properly managed and reported. Contributions help reduce crime, improve officer readiness, and foster safer neighborhoods for everyone in Milledgeville.”
When the foundation receives all credentials, there will be a link on the MPD website to transfer citizens to the “Friends of the Milledgeville Police Department” and will offer instructions on how to donate.