What is the WPLF

Understanding the WPLF

You may have noticed that your membership dues are paid to the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association (WCPA), while your conference fees are paid to the Wisconsin Police Leadership Foundation (WPLF).

Why the distinction? The two organizations serve related missions, but have different organizational purposes and funding responsibilities.

The Foundation’s Role

The WPLF is a charitable nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It was primarily formed to limit tax liability for our conferences.

The Foundation supports charitable and educational services that advance professional law enforcement and promote public safety.

How the WPLF Is Funded

Funding comes predominantly from our two annual conferences. Most conference income comes from:

Exhibitor fees
Donations from sponsors and partners

Additional income comes from conference attendance fees and grants.

How Funding Is Used

Conference expenses account for the vast majority of conference income. Remaining funds support charitable and educational services that advance professional law enforcement and promote public safety.

Employees serving both organizations are employed by the WPLF and work for the WCPA under a shared employment agreement.

Limitations of the WCPA and WPLF

Although the organizations work together, their different purposes require distinct funding and operational responsibilities.

WCPA: The Membership Association

The WCPA, the WPLF’s parent organization, is a fraternal organization rather than a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation.

Income supporting the WCPA comes from membership dues, Partnership Programs, and Supporting Business Members.

These funds support the WCPA’s day-to-day operations and lobbying efforts.

WPLF: The Charitable Foundation

The WPLF is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation and must use its resources in accordance with its charitable purpose.

The organizations maintain separate funding responsibilities so that WPLF resources support its charitable and educational mission.

Since the WPLF’s inception, the WCPA and WPLF have maintained their distinct organizational identities while supporting professional law enforcement and public safety.