Growing Your Financial Reach: Starting a Police Foundation and Keys to Successful Grant Writing

Alexandra has been the Executive Director of the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) Foundation since April 2011, where she works collaboratively with the Commissioner to provide critical resources and vital support to the NCPD. In her capacity as Executive Director, Alexandra has raised over $16 million dollars to provide state-of-the-art equipment, technology, specialized training, youth programs and community outreach which otherwise would not be funded. She joined the NCPD Foundation after serving for three years as the Executive Director of the First Responders Children’s Foundation.

Alexandra holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Non-profit Management from New York University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Government from Manhattan College where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa. In 2025, Alexandra was given the prestigious Beacon Award from the Ellis Island Honors Society recognizing young leaders for their contributions to the United States and the World. In 2022, she was recognized as one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Long Island and she lectures nationally on starting and operating a nonprofit organization.

Joan Brody is an independent contractor who helps police departments, police foundations, other government and non-profit public safety agencies and private sector technology companies obtain additional grant funding and resources. Ms. Brody is a skilled fundraiser who has developed a methodology to enhance grant development efforts in public sector agencies and non-profit organizations by assessing their needs and developing new proactive strategies for  acquiring additional grant dollars. Joan Brody has worked in the criminal justice system for 25+ years. Joan earned a master’s degree in Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Prior to attending Harvard, Joan received a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science Degree from Northeastern University in Boston where she graduated Class Valedictorian and Summa Cum Laude from the College of Criminal Justice. Prior to consulting, Joan worked in city and state government and served as a key member of William J. Bratton’s senior policy staff and on transition teams in the Boston, Los Angeles and New York City Police Departments.