The Chicago Police Foundation is proud to partner with Thin Blue Line Fishing to present the 3rd Annual First Responders Mental Wellness Fishing Initiative, taking place Monday, May 12, 2026, at Montrose Harbor Dock C on Chicago's beautiful lakefront.

This unique initiative brings together Chicago's first responders for a day on the water focused on what matters most, mental wellness, camaraderie, and healing. With the demands our officers face every day, this event provides a rare and meaningful opportunity to step away, breathe, and reconnect with fellow officers in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Founded by Officer Ernesto Amparan, Thin Blue Line Fishing was created with a simple but powerful mission: to use the restorative power of fishing to support the mental health and well-being of those who serve. Since its inception, the initiative has grown into one of the most anticipated events among members of the Chicago Police Department, with officers reaching out year-round asking when the next outing will be held.

The day is about more than casting a line, it's about building bonds, honoring service, and reminding our officers that their well-being matters to the community they protect. Past events have created lasting memories and meaningful connections, reinforcing the importance of investing in the people behind the badge.

The Chicago Police Foundation is honored to serve as the event sponsor, supporting an initiative that aligns directly with our mission to enhance officer wellness and strengthen the relationship between Chicago's police and the communities they serve.

About the Chicago Police Foundation

Founded in 2014, the Chicago Police Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) organization led by local business leaders. The Foundation helps to improve the city of Chicago’s public safety by funding essential resources not covered by the city budget to help improve officer safety, wellness, and performance, and to strengthen relationships between police and the communities they serve.

The Chicago Police Foundation, an independent nonprofit led by a group of Chicago business leaders, is proud to announce its Fourth Annual Charity Golf Outing, taking place Monday, July 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Harborside International Golf Center in Chicago.

This signature event is chaired by hospitality industry leader Rob Wilson, President of the Wilson Companies, and brings together civic-minded individuals and businesses in support of Chicago’s dedicated first responders. All proceeds from the outing will directly benefit key initiatives that align with the Foundation’s mission: enhancing officer wellness through expanded access to mental health services, supplying critical equipment and upgrades, supporting youth development through academic scholarships, and building mutual trust through expansive community engagement programs.

The annual golf outing is more than just a fundraiser, it’s an opportunity to give back to the men and women who serve our city with courage and commitment and to help ensure they have the tools and support they need both on and off the job.

Attendees and sponsors are invited to contribute in a variety of ways. In addition to general donations, opportunities include sponsoring individual holes, beverage carts, or covering registration costs for participating first responder teams- ensuring that no officer incurs a personal expense for attending.

The event aims to provide a well-deserved day of camaraderie and relaxation for Chicago’s police officers, offering them a break from the daily demands of their service and an opportunity to connect with the community in a positive and uplifting setting.

About the Chicago Police Foundation

Founded in 2014, the Chicago Police Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) organization led by local business leaders. The Foundation helps to improve the city of Chicago’s public safety by funding essential resources not covered by the city budget to help improve officer safety, wellness, and performance, and to strengthen relationships between police and the communities they serve.

Ella French Scholarships are awarded annually to children of current or retired employees of the Chicago Police Department and other youth actively involved in police programming. They are intended as financial assistance to offset high school expenses such as tuition, supplies, and transportation. Scholarship recipients and their parents or guardians will be invited to a celebratory luncheon in Chicago on Sunday, September 13th, 2026.  

History 

On August 7, 2021, Chicago Police Officer Ella French was killed in the line of duty. She was incredibly well-liked and a role model with integrity in the department. Officer French personified the importance of being a Chicago police officer. She had a strong commitment to the community, children, and animals. Upon Officer French's death, Chicago business leader Allan Reich was moved by her story and wanted to create a vehicle for young people to have the opportunity to learn about Officer French and ensure her legacy and that of fellow fallen Chicago officers who died in the line of duty, would live on. In 2023, with the support of Officer French's mother, Ms. Elizabeth French, the Chicago Police Foundation created the Ella French Scholarship program.  

Award Amount 

Each student selected will be designated an Ella French Scholar and receive $2000 to be used for high school expenses.   

Application Deadline 

May 1st, 2026 

Award Notification 

Award recipient(s) will be notified by August 14th, 2026.  

Application Requirements 

Eligible applicants must be in grades 8 through 11 as of January 2026 (Grade 11 early graduates excluded. They must show proof of attending or about to attend high school (Grade 9), carry a 2.7 (or higher) GPA (or equivalent), and have a good attendance record.

To be eligible, applicants must also fit ONE of the following criteria: 

• A child or dependent of a currently active or former (retired) Chicago Police Officer  

• A child or dependent of a member of the Chicago Police Department 

• A child or dependent of a fallen Chicago Police Officer 

• A high school student who is an active participant in a Chicago Police Department youth program, including: 

•Youth District Advisory Council 

•Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy 

•Police Explorers 

•Police Athletic and Arts League 

•Police Cadet Program 

**PLEASE NOTE: Applicants who received Ella French Scholarships in 2025 will not be eligible to apply for this year’s 2026 scholarship program; however, all applicants will be eligible to apply the following year in 2027

Application Process 

Applicants who meet the listed qualifications must submit the following required documents with their application. 

• A 300-600-word essay about yourself and why Ella French inspires you.  

• One digital image of themselves. 

• Evidence of CPD youth program participation or the name of the qualifying parent. 

• A copy of a current government or school-issued photo ID and a current high school or 8th-grade incoming freshman transcript that includes a GPA (or equivalent) and shows attendance (if attendance is not listed, a note from a school counselor stating the applicant has good attendance will be accepted). 

• Two letters of recommendation from a non-family member.  

• All items must be submitted by the deadline application date as one digital PDF file to brad@chicagopolicefoundation.org; otherwise, the application may be denied.  

      *Scholarship Recipients will be required to provide a social security number for tax purposes. * 

The Chicago Police Foundation is Proud to Announce the Eleventh Annual True Blue Gala!

The Chicago Police Foundation, an independent nonprofit led by a group of Chicago business leaders, is proud to announce the Eleventh Annual True Blue Gala, taking place Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at The Four Seasons in Chicago.

True Blue is the Foundation's flagship fundraising event and one of the premier civic gatherings in Chicago. This signature evening is chaired by Pamella Capitanini and brings together business leaders, elected officials, and community supporters for a night dedicated to honoring the men and women of the Chicago Police Department.

The evening will feature a cocktail reception with exciting police showcases, an honor guard and bagpipers, a silent auction with stellar prizes, a banquet dinner, a live auction, and will conclude with a dance party and dessert bar.

All proceeds from the gala will directly benefit key initiatives that align with the Foundation's mission: enhancing officer wellness through expanded access to mental health services, supplying critical equipment and upgrades, supporting youth development through academic scholarships, and building mutual trust through expansive community engagement programs.

The True Blue Gala is more than just a fundraiser — it's Chicago's premier opportunity to stand with the officers who serve our city with courage and commitment, and to help ensure they have the tools and support they need both on and off the job.

About the Chicago Police Foundation

Founded in 2014, the Chicago Police Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) organization led by local business leaders. The Foundation helps to improve the city of Chicago's public safety by funding essential resources not covered by the city budget to help improve officer safety, wellness, and performance, and to strengthen relationships between police and the communities they serve.