About Us
Overview
The Defense Alliance Foundation (DAF) is a stand-alone 501(c)(3) education, research, scientific, and charitable organization, officially established on April 11, 2023. Operating initially under the leadership of its parent organization, the Defense Alliance of North Carolina (DANC), DAF leveraged a 15-year legacy of impactful volunteer service to advance North Carolina’s Defense Innovation Ecosystem.
Through education, collaboration, and strategic action, DAF addresses national security and defense priorities while fostering innovation and economic growth.
The Defense Alliance of North Carolina was formed in August 2019 through the merger of two prominent organizations:
North Carolina Military Foundation (NCMF)
Established in 2006 by the Governor of North Carolina, NCMF was a state-wide, non-partisan, privately funded economic development organization. It was comprised of distinguished military retirees and influential corporate leaders. NCMF spearheaded high-impact strategic growth initiatives, advocating for policies and programs to preserve and expand North Carolina’s defense economy.
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North Carolina Defense Business Association (NCDBA)
Founded in 2009, NCDBA served as a professional trade association dedicated to businesses engaged in military contracting, government affairs, and supporting the state’s military installations. The organization provided extensive networking opportunities and facilitated connections to advance defense-related business initiatives across North Carolina. NCDBA hosted numerous statewide events, led by a committed network of volunteer members.
​This strategic unification brought together the strengths of both organizations to amplify their impact on North Carolina’s defense economy. When DANC was dissolved in August 2024,
DAF remained to carry on the mission Defense Industry Growth in NC.
Mission & Objectives
Purpose
To advance scientific, educational, and charitable efforts that drive innovation, foster equitable opportunities, and build stronger communities through strategic collaboration and resource-sharing.
What problems will DAF attempt to solve?
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Lack of access to technical expertise and funding for innovative organizations.
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Barriers faced by minority- and woman-owned businesses in establishing and scaling operations.
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Limited connections between emerging organizations and key stakeholders, hindering collaboration and growth.
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Fragmentation of innovation ecosystems, delaying the commercialization of scientific and technological breakthroughs that benefit society.
What specific solutions will the DAF offer?
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Scientific: Provide technical coaching, mentorship, and strategic guidance to organizations tackling complex challenges in science and technology.
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Educational: Offer insights on funding opportunities, industry trends, and best practices to empower businesses and technical innovators.
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Charitable: Facilitate start-up support, mentorship, and networking opportunities for minority- and woman-owned businesses to ensure equitable access to resources.
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Systemic Impact: Design and nurture high-performing innovation ecosystems that connect key players, foster collaboration, and accelerate problem-solving for the public good.
​What tangible results can be expected if these solutions are implemented?
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Growth of innovative organizations with enhanced technical capabilities and access to sustainable funding.
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Increased success and representation of minority- and woman-owned businesses in competitive markets.
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Strengthened networks of collaboration, leading to impactful partnerships, job creation, and community development.
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Architecting High-Performing Innovation Ecosystems: Establish ecosystems that address complex scientific and technological challenges, driving faster commercialization and delivering solutions with wide-reaching societal benefits.
What We Do
Through dynamic forums, educational events, and targeted mentorship programs, DAF empowers communities and drives innovation across North Carolina's defense and technology landscapes.
One-on-one technical and business coaching.
Insights on funding sources and technical know-how.
Start-up assistance for minority- and woman-owned businesses.
Mentorship, referrals, and introductions to key stakeholders.
Introductory Consultation
(Eligible organizations may receive an initial complimentary session to assess their needs )
Connect With Us
We invite you to visit our Connect Page to request a brief complimentary phone call to explore mission alignment and potential collaboration.
Due to limited staffing, we may have varying capacity to assist at any given time, but we are committed to working with organizations whose goals align with our mission.
Let’s start the conversation and explore how we
can make an impact together.
Where We Work
DAF focuses on leveraging North Carolina’s strengths in cutting-edge industries while continually exploring new opportunities. By aligning efforts with the state’s innovation capabilities, DAF helps build a resilient, future-forward economy.
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DAF’s initiatives have cultivated a culture of trust, volunteering, and collaboration while empowering communities and businesses with:
Expert guidance and mentorship.
Strategic planning and pathways for venture development.
Connections fostering innovation and economic growth.
Legacy & Impact
DAF has empowered underrepresented businesses—particularly minority- and woman-owned enterprises—with technical expertise, mentorship, and access to strategic resources.
Hosted over 300 Science, Technology, Innovation, and Government Relations Forums at universities, research institutions, and industry facilities.
Fostered trust and collaboration among stakeholders through strategic events and warm introductions.
The Defense Alliance Foundation continues to be a driving force for meaningful change, aligning economic development with national security priorities and creating opportunities for communities and businesses alike.
Our participants secured awards and investor capital total estimated $3 billion.
Creating 300 new jobs and supporting startup formation.
Assisting businesses with divestitures and patent portfolio expansion.
Goals & Objectives
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Collaborative Platforms
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Build partnerships among government, industry, and academia to advance defense and national security priorities.
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Policy Advocacy
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Identify and address barriers to defense business growth.
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Share insights with federal and state legislators, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, and other key stakeholders.
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Community Building
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Establish a collaborative and responsive North Carolina community supporting defense and national security initiatives.
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Strategic Dialogue
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Promote informed discussions on national security issues by leveraging expertise from military, government, industry, and academia.
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Education and Awareness
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Educate diverse constituencies on national security-related topics.
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Ethical Forums
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Provide platforms for the legal and ethical exchange of ideas, capabilities, and viewpoints.
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Advocacy for Resilience
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Support initiatives that enhance the strength and resilience of the defense industrial base.