The newly formed Carrollton Police Foundation is giving local residents and businesses another way to support public safety while keeping more of their tax dollars close to home.
The foundation was established earlier this year to support the Carrollton Police Department through funding for officer bonuses, training, equipment,t and other public safety needs. It is also a qualified law enforcement foundation under Georgia’s LESS Crime Act, which allows eligible taxpayers to receive a state income tax credit for contributions made to participating law enforcement foundations.
Carrollton Police Chief Joel Richards said the foundation can help provide funding for needs that may not have been included in the department’s regular budget. That could include equipment, vehicle needs, or programs such as the department’s youth police academy.
The idea began after Carrollton Deputy Chief Chris Dobbs and Lt. Blake Hitchcock attended training in Colorado and learned more about how another Georgia law enforcement agency was using a police foundation to support its department. Richards later connected with another Georgia police chief who had recently gone through the process of forming a foundation and shared information about how it was established.
Richards presented the idea locally, and the Carrollton Mayor and City Council supported moving forward with the foundation. The city attorney then assisted with the process of getting the organization established.
The Carrollton Police Foundation also operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, allowing supporters to make traditional charitable contributions in addition to participating through the LESS Crime Act tax credit program.
The LESS Crime Act was created through Georgia legislation to encourage taxpayers to support local public safety efforts through qualified law enforcement foundations. Enrollment is currently open for the 2026 tax year.
For 2026, a single taxpayer or head of household may qualify for a credit of up to $5,000, while married couples filing jointly may qualify for up to $10,000. LLC members, shareholders of Subchapter S corporations, and partners in partnerships may qualify for up to $10,000. Corporations may qualify for a credit of up to 75 percent of their Georgia income tax liability.
Taxpayers must first apply for pre-approval through the Georgia Tax Center. The Georgia Department of Revenue will then provide an approval letter, generally within 30 days. Once approved, taxpayers have 60 days to make their contribution to the Carrollton Police Foundation. Those applying after November 1 must make their payment before the end of the calendar year.
The foundation stresses that taxpayers should not submit payment until approval has been received from the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Checks can be mailed with the required approval documentation to the Carrollton Police Foundation at 315 Bradley Street, Carrollton, Georgia 30117. After receiving the contribution, the foundation will provide the donor with the required documentation for claiming the credit. Beginning in January 2027, participating taxpayers can submit the appropriate form with their 2026 Georgia tax return.
Richards said one of the biggest benefits is giving local taxpayers the opportunity to direct qualifying dollars toward public safety in their own community.
“It gives our local taxpayers an opportunity to keep their money local and have a say in how that money is spent,” Richards said.
The foundation is also already planning its first major fundraising event. The Back the Blue Jean Ball is scheduled for January 9, 2027. Foundation board member Jill Pierce is leading the fundraising committee, with additional details about the event expected to be announced in the coming months.
Richards said Carrollton is fortunate to already have several organizations offering residents ways to support local causes, including foundations connected to education and healthcare. The Carrollton Police Foundation now gives the community another option centered specifically on public safety and the officers serving the city.
Questions about the Carrollton Police Foundation or the LESS Crime Act program can be directed to Hadley Jakins at [email protected] or 770-830-2000.
