Grant Program Helps Scottsdale Police Aid Community in Need

Often, the Scottsdale Police Departments responds to the needs of the community beyond their official duties, whether it’s covering emergency housing, food, or other basic necessities. Inspired by the countless acts of kindness officers perform using their own resources, The Scottsdale Police Foundation launched the Officer Grant Program. The program empowers them to further assist those in need with immediate relief and essential services.

“Every officer I’ve met has gone above and beyond for someone in need, using their own funds and time to help,” says Debbie Steinhauer, founder of the Scottsdale Police Foundation. “The Officer Grant Program was born out of these acts of kindness. We want to be there for our officers so they can be there for our community in even bigger ways.”

The Officer Grant Program allows officers to quickly and efficiently request funds through an online portal or direct contact when they encounter a person or family in need. The program ensures that officers can help address urgent situations where immediate action is crucial.

“Officers are often the first to recognize when someone in the community is struggling,” says Chief Jeff Walther, chief of the Scottsdale Police Department. “They are there when a child’s bike is stolen, when a family’s home is broken into, or when a family doesn’t have a bed for their child. This program gives our officers the ability to help on the spot, making a real difference in people’s lives.”

The program is designed to support officers in a variety of ways, with no rigid requirements for the types of assistance provided. Whether it’s buying a child a new bike after theirs was stolen or finding emergency shelter for a family facing displacement, officers are encouraged to step in and act as they see fit, with the backing of the Foundation.

“We’ve already seen incredible examples of officers stepping up,” Steinhauer says. “One officer purchased a new bike for a boy whose family couldn’t afford one. Another helped a family stay in a hotel for a night while searching for housing resources, and another officer bought a Christmas tree for a family who couldn’t celebrate the holidays.”

The program will be overseen by the Scottsdale Police Foundation to ensure that grants are used effectively, with funds awarded based on immediate needs and officers providing receipts to maintain accountability.

The Scottsdale community and local businesses can support the Officer Grant Program through donations and partnerships. With this support, officers will be better equipped to assist those in need, strengthening the bond between the Scottsdale Police Department and the community they serve.

“The more support we receive, the more good we can do,” says Chief Walther. “This program is not just about providing financial aid; it’s about reinforcing the trust and connection between our officers and the community. Every act of kindness deepens that bond.”