Founded in 1970 at the request of former Naval Postgraduate School Superintendent Rear Adm. Robert McNitt, the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation has a strong history of supporting our nation’s top graduate-level military institution. For decades, the Foundation has administered private donations to the school, improved the school’s physical facilities, funded innovative research to address national security issues, and led many other initiatives to elevate the educational experience for our nation’s service members.

As any good navy story begins, it all started with sailboats. The NPS Foundation’s first contribution to the school came in the form of four of these boats, used to establish a sailing and seamanship program. From this first donation in 1971, the NPS Foundation was born and has since continued to grow and greatly expand the ways it supports NPS. In 2018, NPSF became the NPS Foundation & Alumni Association, as the organization officially established an alumni association for NPS graduates.

Since its inception, the Foundation has provided an opportunity for the civilian community and military to work together for mutual benefit and the advancement of the Department of Defense. While funding NPS research and elevating students’ experience remain top priorities for the Foundation, the NPS Foundation also focuses on community outreach programs that link the local community to NPS.

As we look toward the future, we will continue to grow and develop alongside NPS. Our mission remains the same; to support NPS and empower the School to develop educated and effective leaders and innovative national security solutions, keeping our service members and allies safe abroad and protecting us all at home.