History of the J. Edgar Hoover Foundation

The J. Edgar Hoover Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the ideals Fidelity, Bravery and Integrity promoted by J. Edgar Hoover, the creator of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and father of modern law enforcement in the United States.

In 1965 a group of retired Special Agents and private citizens joined together to form a non-profit organization that would promote the ideals of Mr. Hoover by providing scholarships to needy college and university students without regard to race, creed or religion who are pursuing degrees in law, enforcement studies or forensic sciences.

Over the years the Foundation has distributed three and half million dollars to students and certain lump sums to deserving universities and colleges. The Foundation distributes between $50,000 and $100,000 annually.

The Foundation was founded "to safeguard the heritage and freedom of the United States of America, to promote good citizenship through an appreciation of its form of government and to perpetuate the ideals and purposes to which the Honorable J. Edgar Hoover has dedicated his life…. In furtherance thereof to conduct educational programs…establish scholarships and endow chairs..."