About the Foundation

The Commonwealth Homeland Security Foundation (CHSF) is a Virginia not-for-profit corporation with the goal of improving security and preparedness in the Commonwealth of Virginia through directed research and grants. The CHSF is designed to provide private sector funding, from individuals and corporations, for projects in Virginia that are compelling state needs but not currently funded through public financial support.

Foundation Overview

Higher education can make a new and very significant contribution to the nation’s goal of a more secure America by extending its reach beyond the campus to the community. It begins by recognizing that the traditional university roles of teaching, research and public service can be combined and accomplished through a foundation dedicated to homeland security in Virginia.

The Need for a Commonwealth Homeland Security Foundation

Like most jurisdictions, the Commonwealth of Virginia has primarily relied on the national government for funding homeland security priorities. While those resources have been welcome, the results still fall somewhat short of desired outcomes.

An overlooked potential source for increased support for homeland security initiatives can be found among the citizens and corporations of the Commonwealth who have not been given a chance to make direct and personal contributions to the effort. This untapped giving capacity within Virginia represents a significant pool of resources, especially when coupled with the tax advantages and reputation a university foundation can provide.

The higher education community in Virginia is especially robust and comprehensive when compared to other states. Many institutions have developed academic programs in the homeland security area and created other opportunities to fulfill their public service mission with seminars and conferences. Yet, the efforts are fragmented and generally lack sufficient funding to attain maximum effectiveness. Even so, universities continue to represent the best way forward to address this set of emerging security problems if they can find a specific focus to their activities.

In summary, there is a need for a new mechanism within higher education in Virginia that will provide public-private collaboration for increased funding for homeland security projects. That mechanism is the Commonwealth Homeland Security Foundation at George Mason University.