Diplomatic Security Foundation

All around the globe are thousands of individuals who work every day to keep American diplomacy safe. There are more than 2,500 employees in the US State Department Bureau of Diplomatic Security, from Special Agents, to Couriers, to Security Engineering officers and technical specialists, and Marine Security Guards who safeguard our national security interests on a daily basis. But there are many more unsung heroes, there are thousands of local guard forces who protect our embassies and consulates during times of peace and unrest. It is these local guards who our charity supports the most - they aren't US government employees, but are instead employed by the local government of the country where the US embassy is located. They are often incredibly loyal, dedicated and hard working, protecting the embassy and its US employees. They rarely make much money and so they and their families are often gravely affected when a tragedy occurs, sometimes left penniless. And that's where DSF steps in. We are able to provide financial support to these local guards and their families, often the equivalent of a half a year or year's salary, when a guard is injured, taken ill, killed or dies. This year, we have already provided more than $175K to those in need. We have provided emergency funds for more than 100 local guards who were affected by the February earthquake in Turkey; funds to guards who have stayed on site protecting the embassy in Sudan after it was evacuated; support to guards and their families who were attacked and killed in an ambush of a US caravan in Nigeria. On a smaller scale, we have helped many individuals with medical costs, burial fees, and losses due to natural catastrophes, in counties all around the world. We consider these local guards who work so tirelessly to protect American diplomacy part of our world-wide Diplomatic Security "family", and it is an honor to be able to provide support to them and their families. But we can't continue this support without your help. As a public charity, we do not receive any financial support from the State Department, so we rely 100% on the kindness of our donors. Please consider donating to the Diplomatic Security Foundation via the CFC today or visit our website to make a donation today, and help us continue our mission of providing for those keeping American diplomacy safe.