the diplomatic security foundation

What the diplomatic security foundation does

The Diplomatic Security Foundation (DSF) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable foundation established in 1995 and headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia. The organization provides timely financial support, hardship grants, and scholarships to current and former members of the US Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS), their immediate families, and colleagues in the broader law enforcement and US foreign affairs community. Since inception, DSF reports distributing more than $1,000,000 in grants to DS personnel and dependents during hardship, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and crisis situations. The foundation also administers the 20th Annual DSF Scholarship program for DS dependents.

DSF's core programmatic offerings consist of the Grants Program, the Scholarship Program, and the Mike Considine Charity Golf Outing (originated in 1990 as the primary annual fundraiser). The foundation supports recurring Spring and Fall luncheons, the DSS Global Race for Charity, and curated merchandise storefronts (books by DS authors, golf equipment, emergency preparedness Go-Bag supplies) monetized through Amazon Associates affiliate links. Technology footprint is minimal and operational rather than product-oriented: the website is hosted on Squarespace, email/event registration runs on Constant Contact, and donation processing spans PayPal Giving Fund, Venmo, eBay for Charity, GoFundMe, JustGiving, Mighty Cause, and Facebook Fundraisers.

The revenue model is donations- and sponsorship-based. Primary revenue streams include corporate sponsorships of the annual golf outing (Ambassador $25,000+, Diamond $15,000, Platinum $10,000, Gold $5,000, Silver $2,500, Bronze $1,000, Copper $500, Hole $150), individual and corporate donations, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC #96262, ~$20,000 annually), event registrations ($225/golfer, $35-40 luncheon tickets), and 1-4% Amazon Associates affiliate commissions. The flagship corporate sponsor is Chevron ($742,000 cumulative since 2011, $45,000 in 2025); other consistent sponsors include GDIT, Leidos, Parsons, Peraton, Maximus, and Velocity Systems. The 2021 golf outing netted $170,000 with 288 golfers and 48 sponsors. DSF is governed by a Board and operates with no parent company or subsidiaries.

Name

the diplomatic security foundation

Legal name

Diplomatic Security Foundation

Website

https://dsfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Diplomatic Security Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, established in 1995 and headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, that provides hardship grants, scholarships, and emergency financial assistance to members of the US Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security and their families.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Charitable Foundation Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

akta.pro primary industry

Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors) (BPADAOAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH)

Keywords

• Charitable foundation services
• Hardship grants programs
• Scholarship award programs
• Charity golf fundraising
• Nonprofit donor services

Headquarters

HQ city

Chantilly

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Others, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization receives donations from individuals, corporations, and government employees to support its mission of providing financial assistance to DS bureau members and their families.
2. Golf Event Sponsorships: Annual charity golf outing generates significant sponsorship revenue from corporate sponsors at various levels (Ambassador $25,000+, Diamond $15,000, Platinum $10,000, Gold $5,000, Silver $2,500, Bronze $1,000, Copper $500, Hole $150).
3. Amazon Associates Program: DSF earns 1%-4% commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon affiliate links on their website for books, golf gear, and emergency preparedness items.
4. Combined Federal Campaign (CFC): DSF receives nearly $20,000 annually through the federal employee giving program, with CFC number 96262.
5. Event Registration Fees: Golf outing registration at $225 per golfer ($195 tax-deductible portion), luncheon tickets at $35-40, networking events.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Diplomatic Security Foundation (DSF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that provides hardship grants and educational scholarships to current and former members of the US Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security and their immediate families, as well as colleagues in the broader law enforcement and US foreign affairs community. Its primary fundraising vehicles are the annual DSF Mike Considine Charity Golf Outing and corporate sponsorship programs, supplemented by individual donations, the Combined Federal Campaign, and an Amazon Associates affiliate shop.

Product overview

The Diplomatic Security Foundation (DSF) is a 501c3 non-profit charitable organization established in 1995 that provides financial support and charitable contributions to members of the US Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security and their immediate families, as well as colleagues in law enforcement and US foreign affairs communities. DSF's core offerings consist of its Grants Program, which provides timely financial assistance during times of hardship or crisis, and its Scholarship Program, which awards scholarships to high school seniors. The organization's primary fundraising vehicle is the annual DSF Mike Considine Charity Golf Outing, started in 1990, which includes corporate sponsorships at various levels and a raffle. DSF also operates merchandise programs through its Shop, offering emergency preparedness Go-Bags, golf merchandise, and books by DS authors, all facilitated through Amazon Associate links. Additionally, DSF offers multiple donation channels including direct donations, PayPal, Venmo, Donor-Advised Funds, legacy giving, and various fundraising campaign platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• DSF Grants Program Provides timely financial support and charitable contributions to members of the US Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security, security professionals, and colleagues in the law enforcement and US foreign affairs communities during times of hardship or crisis.
• DSF Scholarship Program Annual scholarship program awarding educational scholarships to high school seniors who are dependents of DS personnel. The 20th Annual DSF Scholarship winners have been announced for 2026.
• DSF Mike Considine Charity Golf Outing Annual charity golf event featuring tiered corporate sponsorships (Hole $150 to Ambassador $25,000+), golfer registration ($225 per golfer), and a raffle, with proceeds supporting DSF's mission. The 2021 outing sold out with 288 golfers and 48 sponsors, netting $170,000.
• DSF Luncheon Events Periodic luncheon events bringing together current, former, and retired DS employees and community members, featuring DS leadership guest speakers, networking opportunities, and buffet lunch. Tickets priced at $35 early bird and $40 after March 20, 2026.
• DSF Donation Services Comprehensive donation services accepting contributions via direct website donations, mailed checks, Donor-Advised Funds (Fidelity, Schwab, Mellon), legacy/bequest giving, PayPal Giving Fund, Venmo (@dsfoundation), eBay for Charity, and personal fundraising campaigns on GoFundMe, JustGiving, and Mighty Cause. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.
• DSS Global Race for Charity Charity 5K run event organized by DSS in celebration of its 100th Anniversary, held at 100+ locations overseas and in the US, with participating groups selecting DSF as their designated charity to raise funds on its behalf.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $1,000,000 in grants distributed since 1995
• +2 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Amazon AssociatescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDSF participates in the Amazon Associates Program, earning 1-4% commission on qualifying purchases made through affiliate links on their website. They curate lists of books, golf gear, and emergency preparedness items.
• PayPal Giving FundcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDSF receives donations through PayPal's Giving Fund platform where 100% of donations go directly to DSF with no transaction fees.
• DSSAA (Diplomatic Security Special Agents Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSSAA is DSF's key partner, operating an online store for DS merchandise. DSSAA supports DSF every year using proceeds from sales and helps facilitate in-person donations at gift shops.
• eBay for CharityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDSF is registered with eBay for Charity, allowing supporters to select DSF as their preferred charity when shopping on eBay.
• GoFundMeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndividual supporters can create GoFundMe campaigns designating DSF as the charity of choice for personal fundraising efforts.
• JustGivingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndividual supporters can create JustGiving campaigns to raise funds for DSF through marathons, biking events, and other activities.
• Mighty CauseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDSF is listed on Mighty Cause charity platform allowing supporters to create fundraising campaigns.
• Facebook FundraisersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporters can create Facebook fundraisers asking friends to donate to DSF, particularly for birthdays and special occasions.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) Foundation: FLEOA is a 501(c)(5/6) organization representing federal law enforcement officers and operates a charitable foundation that provides hardship support and scholarships to its members. Highly comparable mission, beneficiary profile (federal LE officers and families), and small-scale 501(c)(3) operating model.
• DEA Educational Foundation: The DEA Educational Foundation supports Drug Enforcement Administration employees and their families through scholarships and hardship assistance, and runs an annual fundraising gala with corporate sponsors. Directly analogous to DSF as a federal law enforcement agency-aligned 501(c)(3) foundation.
• Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.): C.O.P.S. provides financial assistance, scholarships, and counseling to families of officers killed in the line of duty. Shares DSF's beneficiary-community model (LEO families), event-driven fundraising, and scholarship/hardship grant mix, though focused on survivors rather than active personnel.
• National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund: The Memorial Fund honors fallen officers and provides officer-support resources, with significant corporate sponsorship and event-based fundraising (Candlelight Vigil, various galas). Comparable small federal-LE-focused 501(c)(3) with a strong sponsor-relations model.
• Diplomatic Security Special Agents Association (DSSAA): DSSAA is DSF's named partner organization supporting the same Diplomatic Security community via a separate membership/merchandise store that funnels proceeds to DSF. Functions as the most directly comparable peer, with overlapping beneficiary population and co-marketed fundraising channels.
• CBP Foundation (Customs and Border Protection): The CBP Foundation supports Customs and Border Protection personnel and families through scholarships, hardship assistance, and emergency grants. Closely analogous federal-LE agency-aligned 501(c)(3) with similar sponsor base and event-driven fundraising.
• FBI Agents Association Foundation: FBIAA Foundation provides scholarships, hardship grants, and member support to FBI special agents and families. Operates on a similar small-staff 501(c)(3) model with corporate sponsors and an annual fundraising event targeting the same federal-LE community profile.
• International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Foundation: IACP Foundation supports broader law enforcement community initiatives, training, and member assistance. Comparable as a law-enforcement-focused 501(c)(3) foundation with corporate sponsorship and annual event programming.
• US Marshals Service Association: The US Marshals Service Association supports Deputy US Marshals and their families through member benefits and charitable activities. Directly comparable federal-LE beneficiary community and small 501(c)(3)-style fundraising model.
• Secret Service Uniformed Division Retirement Association: A federal-law-enforcement member organization supporting Uniformed Division officers (a DHS component organization) with retirement, welfare, and member-assistance functions. Comparable narrow beneficiary community, federal-LE sponsorship base, and small-scale 501(c) operating structure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/fundraisers
• Xx.com/DiplomaticSecFn
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/diplomatic-security-foundation

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about the diplomatic security foundation