The Rise and Respond foundation inc.
The Rise & Respond Foundation is a Christ-centered 501(c)(3)* nonprofit organization committed to honoring wounded law enforcement officers and their families through compassionate support, essential resources, and dedicated advocacy. In addition, the foundation empowers students through scholarship opportunities at accredited Christian Bible Colleges, Universities, and other approved institutions—equipping future leaders to serve their communities with faith, purpose, and integrity. *The Rise & Respond Foundation is a newly established nonprofit organization, officially founded on April 21, 2025. The foundation is currently in the process of applying for its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Please note that the IRS review and approval process may take up to six (6) months from the date of application. In accordance with IRS guidelines, once approved, the foundation’s tax-exempt status will be retroactively effective as of the application date—April 21, 2025—not the date of final determination.
The Five Essential Pillars That Define the rise and respond foundation culture
- Grace: We are fallen, broken people who are absolutely dependent upon God's unmerited favor through Jesus Christ.
- Truth: We believe the Bible to be God's Word. We believe it. We give it. We try our best by God's grace to live by it.
- Honor: It is not about individual glory or recognition, but about rejoicing over each other's successes.
- Excellence: We strive to do everything we do to the best of our abilities and resources. Jesus is worth it!
- Mission: We live on a mission to make the name of Jesus great among the people we serve.
Statement of faith
- The Rise & Respond Foundation is a Christ-centered nonprofit organization founded upon unshakable biblical principles and a deep commitment to advancing the love, hope, and truth of Jesus Christ. Our mission is guided by the values of faith, sacrifice, and compassion—core elements of the Christian life—and rooted in a desire to serve those who have served others. We believe that every individual is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and is called to love, support, and uplift one another through the grace and power of Jesus Christ (John 13:34–35). Our purpose is to honor and care for those who have sacrificed for the safety and well-being of others—particularly law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders who have been wounded or killed in the line of duty. We extend that care to their families, offering compassionate support, tangible resources, and unwavering dignity during times of hardship and grief (Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:10). In addition to our outreach efforts, we are committed to investing in the next generation of faith-driven leaders. Our Scholarship Program provides financial support to students enrolled in accredited Christian Bible Colleges and Universities approved by our Scholarship Program Committee. These students are empowered to pursue their God-given callings with purpose, integrity, and conviction—grounded in the Word of God and equipped to serve their communities with humility, wisdom, and truth (Proverbs 3:5–6; Colossians 3:23–24). Through every initiative, the Rise & Respond Foundation seeks to reflect the love of Christ, promote healing and hope, and build a legacy of service that glorifies God and impacts lives for generations to come.
We affirm the following core beliefs:
- The Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God, the final standard for all matters of faith and life (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
- There is one God, eternally existent in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
- Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully God and fully man, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died as a substitutionary sacrifice for our sins, rose bodily from the grave, ascended to the right hand of the Father, and will return in power and glory (John 1:1–5, John 14:6, 1 Corinthians 15:3–4).
- Salvation is a free gift from God, offered by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It is not earned by human effort, but received through repentance and trust in Christ as Lord and Savior (Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 10:9–10).
- Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation, symbolizing a believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and is a step of obedience and public declaration of faith (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4).
- The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, empowering them to live a Christ-centered life, bear spiritual fruit, and serve according to God’s will (Galatians 5:22–23; Acts 1:8).
- The Church is the body of Christ, composed of all believers united in faith, called to worship, serve, and proclaim the Gospel to the world (Romans 12:4–5; Matthew 28:18–20).
- Every human life is sacred, created in the image of God and worthy of dignity, care, and respect, and we are called to defend the vulnerable, uplift the brokenhearted, and serve others in love, as Christ served us (Psalm 139:13–16; James 1:27).
In all that we do, the Rise & Respond Foundation is committed to living out the truth of the Gospel by being a light in times of darkness and a voice of hope, healing, and encouragement to those we are privileged to serve. Whether we are providing support to a wounded officer or awarding a scholarship to a future Christian leader, we do so with hearts fully surrendered to God and a desire to reflect the love, compassion, and grace of Jesus Christ in every action.
"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." – Proverbs 11:25 (ESV)
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." – Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Through our programs and partnerships, the Rise & Respond Foundation seeks to be a vessel of Christ’s mercy, truth, and hope—honoring those who risk their lives for the safety of others and equipping the next generation to serve with humility, strength, and a Christ-centered purpose.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Rise & Respond Foundation exists to glorify Jesus Christ by honoring the sacrificial service of law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders who have been wounded or killed in the line of duty, while also empowering the next generation of faith-driven leaders and individuals pursuing careers in public service through biblically grounded educational support.
Rooted in our unwavering belief in the authority of Scripture, the power of the Gospel, and the call to serve others in love, our mission is twofold:
- Christ-Centered Support for First Responders & Their Families — We provide compassionate, Christ-honoring care to first responders who have been wounded in the line of duty, as well as to their families. Through financial assistance, practical resources, advocacy, and ongoing community support, we aim to be a tangible reflection of God’s love. Our desire is to walk alongside those who have courageously given of themselves for the safety and well-being of others—lifting them up with dignity, empathy, and grace as they face the challenges of recovery and loss. "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
- Equipping Future Leaders in Faith and Public Service — We invest in the development of Christian leaders and peace officers by offering scholarships to students enrolled in accredited and committee-approved Christian Bible Colleges and Universities, as well as institutions that provide law enforcement technical certificates or degree programs. These scholarships are intended to support individuals who are spiritually grounded, academically equipped, and missionally minded—called to serve others with humility, integrity, and a heart for the Gospel or public good. "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." — Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
Guided by the Holy Spirit and the enduring truths of God’s Word, our work reflects the foundational Christian convictions that all people are made in the image of God, that salvation is found in Christ alone, and that the Church is called to actively serve as the hands and feet of Jesus in a hurting world. Through faith, sacrificial service, and compassion, we seek to bring healing to the wounded, hope to the weary, and strength to those navigating hardship.
Our mission goes beyond meeting physical and educational needs—it is about transforming lives through the power of the Gospel. By honoring sacrifice, encouraging spiritual growth, and cultivating a legacy of Christ-centered service, we are committed to making an eternal impact for generations to come.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." — Hebrews 10:24 (ESV)
VISION STATEMENT
The Rise & Respond Foundation envisions a Christ-centered world where sacrificial service is honored, burdens are lifted through compassion, and future generations are equipped to lead with unwavering faith, integrity, and courage. Our vision is rooted in biblical truth, guided by the love of Christ, and dedicated to building a community that reflects God’s heart for justice, mercy, and servant leadership.
We seek lasting impact on two vital fronts:
We seek lasting impact on two vital fronts:
- For Wounded First Responders and Their Families We strive to be a steadfast source of hope, healing, and support for law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders who have been wounded or killed in the line of duty, as well as for the families who bear their burdens alongside them. Through financial assistance, advocacy, intercessory prayer, and personal outreach, we are committed to ensuring that no family walks through hardship alone. Our vision is to create a community that not only acknowledges the physical and emotional sacrifices of these brave individuals but also addresses their spiritual and relational needs—ministering to them with the compassion and care of Christ. "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
- For Future Christian Leaders and Peace Officers We envision a generation of students—firmly rooted in Scripture and inspired by a calling to serve—who are empowered to pursue their God-given vocations through quality, biblically grounded education. This includes students enrolled in accredited and Scholarship Committee-approved Christian Bible Colleges and Universities, as well as individuals pursuing careers in law enforcement through technical certificate or degree programs at accredited institutions. Our desire is to support and equip these future pastors, missionaries, educators, chaplains, and peace officers to lead with wisdom, serve with humility, and bring the light of Christ into every context—whether that be the pulpit, the mission field, the classroom, or the front lines of public safety. "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season... with complete patience and teaching." — 2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV)
Our vision is shaped by these core biblical convictions:
We believe that through obedience to Christ, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and the strength of a faithful community, we can bring restoration to the wounded, inspire faith in the next generation, and glorify God through every act of service and compassion.
The Rise & Respond Foundation is committed not only to meeting present needs but to planting seeds for a legacy of Christ-centered service, sacrifice, and spiritual growth that will endure for generations. We walk in the footsteps of Jesus—loving unconditionally, serving selflessly, and leading with bold, unwavering faith.
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." — Philippians 2:4 (ESV)
"Whoever serves, let it be as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." — 1 Peter 4:11 (ESV)