The mission of the CHSF is to make the Commonwealth of Virginia more secure through innovative public-private collaboration in homeland security research and development in partnership with Virginia’s universities. Consistent with the Governor's objectives to secure the Commonwealth, the Foundation will leverage civic engagement, effective industry and individual philanthropy, public awareness, and academic programs to elevate preparedness throughout the state. The CHSF assembles critical players around difficult problems to accelerate effective solutions to homeland security. Relying on disciplined requirements development and professional program management, the CHSF is a perfect strategic match-maker in bringing (1) government, (2) industry, (3) university research and development, and (4) donors around the most challenging security issues in Virginia. The CHSF approach contrasts with a government-centric, top-down model. The CHSF model transcends bureaucracy and inefficiency employing an agility needed to address the pressing needs of homeland security in the 21st Century.The Foundation is governed by an experienced Board of Directors (BoD). The GMU Foundation and the CHSF BoD provide management of donated funds.There is a compelling case for an innovative model responsive to public and private sector needs to better manage the complex risks that confront us, logically linking the resources of government and the private sector. The CHSF answers this need for Virginia and fills the gap between limited government funding and the pressing requirements of our state and nation.