irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2021
what they reported doing
Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.
- #1 primary $119KCOMMERCIAL DIPLOMACY PROGRAMTHE COMMERCIAL DIPLOMACY PROGRAM CONDUCTED ITS SECOND ROUNDTABLE IN FEBRUARY 2022, WHICH CONVENED SENIOR CORPORATE LEADERS AND SENIOR U.S. GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS FROM VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES. IN THIS ROUNDTABLE, THE GOVERNMENT ATTENDEES PRESENTED THE PLETHORA OF RESOURCES THEY OFFER CORPORATIONS. IN DECEMBER 2022, DSF AND SMU CONVENED U.S. GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND BUSINESS LEADERS FOR A "FIVE DAYS IN DALLAS" PROGRAM AIMED AT JUMP-STARTING CREATIVE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE AMERICAN PRIVATE SECTOR AND GOVERNMENT. DURING THE WEEKLONG CONFERENCE, USG OFFICIALS ENGAGED WITH PANELISTS AND SPEAKERS ACROSS A VARIETY OF TOPICS RELATED TO AMERICAN BUSINESS INITIATIVES AND VISITED FOUR COMPANIES TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HOW AMERICAN COMPANIES "DO BUSINESS."
named programs · 6 · from sources
what they call their work
Area Studies Fellowships
A Fellowship Program with FSI that retained retired ambassadors to update curriculum and augment instruction in revised Area Studies courses, leading to a significant increase in course enrollments.
Commercial Diplomacy Initiative
A partnership with Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business to host roundtables and a "Five Days in Dallas" program, fostering collaboration between the American private sector and government on commercial diplomacy.
Peace Game
A two-day crisis simulation exercise for US government officials from various departments and agencies, challenging them to solve complex crises in a fictional African country (Ikhaya). The exercise focuses on building prevention capabilities and cross-departmental relationships for officers working abroad.
Political-Military Capstone Exercise
An adaptation of the Peace Game exercise for the Foreign Service Institute's Political-Military Capstone course, designed to challenge Pol-Mil officers to use their toolkit in a half-day scenario.
Senior Training Needs Assessment
Supported the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) by funding a Visiting Fellow to assess training and professional development opportunities for senior officers, identifying gaps and paving the way for advanced course offerings.
State-Congressional Seminars
A pilot seminar series in partnership with the Council on Foreign Relations for mid-level Foreign and Civil Service officers and congressional staffers, educating them on the roles of Congress and the State Department in foreign policy and fostering working relationships.
activities · 2 clusters
what they do
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Diplomatic Training & Curriculum Development 20 activities
- A.I. Policy & Diplomacy Seminar SeriesLaunched in March 2024, this program provides training and dialogue opportunities for State Department officers, congressional staff, and private sector experts on AI policy and diplomacy.
- Advocacy for State Department Training ReformEngaged in legislative advocacy leading to the introduction of H.R. 8012 and S. 3492, contributed to inclusion of Section 9205 on Foreign Affairs Training in the FY2023 NDAA, and provided expert testimony before a Senate subcommittee in November 2021.
- Advocating for State Department Education and TrainingEngages with Congress to introduce bills and secure legislative inclusions aimed at improving State Department education and training, and provides testimony on these issues.
- Advocating for State Department Education and Training ImprovementsUS DIPLOMATIC engages with Congress, testifies at Senate subcommittees, and helps secure legislative inclusions to improve State Department education and training, leading to the introduction of bills and the inclusion of relevant sections in the FY2023 NDAA.
- Conducting A.I. Policy & Diplomacy SeminarsLaunches and conducts an A.I. Policy & Diplomacy Seminar Series for State Department officers, congressional staff, and private sector experts.
- Conducting Diplomacy and Policy SeminarsUS DIPLOMATIC conducts seminar series for State Department officers, congressional staff, and private sector experts on topics such as A.I. Policy & Diplomacy and oversight and budget, with a pilot series in 2020 for 26 employees.
- Conducting Needs Assessments for Foreign Service TrainingUS DIPLOMATIC funds visiting fellows to conduct needs assessments for the Foreign Service Institute's (FSI) senior training curriculum, identifying significant training gaps.
- Conducting Pilot Seminar SeriesConducts pilot seminar series for mid-level Foreign and Civil Service officers and congressional staffers on topics such as oversight and budget.
- Developing and Facilitating Peace GamesUS DIPLOMATIC develops and facilitates "Peace Games" exercises, launched in October 2021 with subsequent exercises, and adapted one for the Political-Military Capstone course at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI).
- Foreign Service Institute Curriculum Development SupportFunded a Visiting Fellow (Nancy Powell, 2019–2020) to assess FSI senior training curriculum and initiated an Area Studies Fellowship Program with FSI that increased course enrollments by 180% by June 2020.
- Funding Visiting Fellow Needs AssessmentsFunds visiting fellows to conduct needs assessments for the Foreign Service Institute's senior training curriculum, identifying significant training gaps.
- Initiating Area Studies Fellowship ProgramInitiates an Area Studies Fellowship Program with the Foreign Service Institute to retain retired ambassadors for curriculum updates and instruction, leading to increased course enrollments.
- Initiating Area Studies Fellowship ProgramsUS DIPLOMATIC initiated an Area Studies Fellowship Program with FSI in August 2019, retaining retired ambassadors to update curriculum and augment instruction, which led to a 180% increase in Area Studies course enrollments by June 2020.
- Peace Game ExercisesConducts experiential simulation exercises for diplomatic training, first launched in October 2021 with recurring sessions through April 2024; adapted into a half-day exercise for the Political-Military Capstone course at the Foreign Service Institute.
- Pilot Seminar Series for Mid-Level OfficersLaunched in February 2020, this program delivered four training sessions to 26 mid-level Foreign and Civil Service officers and congressional staffers on topics including oversight and budget.
- Public Commentary on Diplomatic OversightProvided expert perspectives on congressional oversight in foreign affairs through public commentary, including quotes by advisor Tom Sheehy in Defense One.
- Publishing Reform Reports and ArticlesUS DIPLOMATIC publishes reports and articles on topics such as State Department reform, National Security Council reform, and revitalizing the State Department by addressing education gaps.
- Publishing Reform Reports and ArticlesPublishes reports on State Department and National Security Council reform, and articles in professional journals, to address identified gaps and propose improvements.
- Research on Diplomatic and National Security ReformPublished key research reports including "Revitalizing State – Closing the Education Gap" in The Foreign Service Journal, a State Department Reform Report, and a National Security Council Reform Report.
- Running Peace Game ExercisesDevelops and conducts Peace Game exercises, including adapting them for the Foreign Service Institute's Political-Military Capstone course, to simulate diplomatic scenarios.
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Uncategorized 10 activities
- Advocating for State Department Education and Training ReformUS DIPLOMATIC engages with Congress, leading to the introduction of bills aimed at improving State Department education and training, and has secured the inclusion of relevant sections in legislation like the FY2023 NDAA. The organization's president has also testified on these issues.
- Commercial Diplomacy Roundtables and ProgramsHosts roundtables and multi-day programs in Dallas that convene senior corporate leaders and U.S. government officials to strengthen commercial diplomacy practices, including the "Five Days in Dallas" program in December 2022.
- Conducting Diplomacy and Policy SeminarsUS DIPLOMATIC conducts seminar series for State Department officers, congressional staff, and private sector experts on topics such as A.I. Policy & Diplomacy and general foreign and civil service topics, with a pilot series launched in February 2020 for 26 employees.
- Conducting Needs Assessments for Foreign Service TrainingUS DIPLOMATIC funds visiting fellows to conduct needs assessments for the Foreign Service Institute's (FSI) senior training curriculum, identifying significant training gaps, as demonstrated by a fellowship from Fall 2019 through Fall 2020.
- Convening Commercial Diplomacy InitiativesUS DIPLOMATIC convenes roundtables and programs, such as "Five Days in Dallas," bringing together senior corporate leaders, U.S. government officials, and business leaders to discuss commercial diplomacy and foster understanding of American business practices.
- Convening Commercial Diplomacy Roundtables and ProgramsUS DIPLOMATIC convenes roundtables and programs, such as "Five Days in Dallas," bringing together senior corporate leaders, U.S. government officials, and business leaders to discuss commercial diplomacy and foster understanding of American business practices.
- Developing and Facilitating Peace GamesUS DIPLOMATIC develops and facilitates "Peace Games" exercises, with the first launched in October 2021 and subsequent exercises held multiple times through April 2024, including an adaptation for the Political-Military Capstone course at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI).
- Hosting Commercial Diplomacy InitiativesOrganizes roundtables and programs like "Five Days in Dallas" to convene corporate leaders and U.S. government officials to discuss commercial diplomacy and foster collaboration on American business practices.
- Implementing Area Studies Fellowship ProgramUS DIPLOMATIC initiated an Area Studies Fellowship Program with FSI in August 2019, retaining retired ambassadors to update curriculum and augment instruction, which led to a 180% increase in Area Studies course enrollments by June 2020.
- Publishing Research on Foreign Policy and National SecurityUS DIPLOMATIC publishes articles and reports on topics related to foreign policy and national security, including "Revitalizing State - Closing the Education Gap" in The Foreign Service Journal, a State Department Reform Report, and a National Security Council Reform Report.
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financials · form 990 · fy2021
the money
revenue
Total revenue$347K
Contributions & grants$347K100%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$2020%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$357K
Program expenses74%
Admin / overhead16%
Fundraising10%
Salaries & benefits$239K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$82K
Cash$57K
Investments$0
Liabilities$29K
Net assets$52K
Liquid reserves1.9 mo
3 years on record · 2019–2021 · YoY revenue -14.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2021
who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAVID MILLER | PRESIDENT | 35 | $157K |
board members · 5
- CHESTER CROCKER — VICE PRESIDENT
- DANIEL LEVIN — SECRETARY
- KEVIN O'BRIEN — TREASURER
- RAND BEERS — CO-CHAIRMAN
- THOMAS PICKERING — CO-CHAIRMAN
relationships · 31
who they work with
- Association of the United States Army Partner — Todd Schmidt currently serves as a Leadership Fellow at the Association of the United States Army.
- Command & General Staff Foundation Partner — Todd Schmidt served as a Senior Fellow at the Command & General Staff Foundation.
- Council on Foreign Relations Partner — Partnered to conduct a pilot State-Congressional seminar series.
- DSF Accounting Office Partner — Handles donation processing and financial administration for the US Diplomatic Studies Foundation.
- Foreign Service Institute Partner — Established a training partnership with the Foreign Service Institute.
- Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Partner — Worked with FSI to adapt the Peace Game exercise and supported FSI's senior training curriculum expansion.
- Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service Partner — Ambassador Chester Crocker is the James R. Schlesinger professor of strategic studies at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and serves on the board of its Institute for the Study of Diplomacy.
- Global Leadership Foundation Partner — Ambassador Crocker is a founding member of the Global Leadership Foundation, an international NGO that offers confidential peer-to-peer advice to leaders facing governance and conflict challenges.
- Good Governance Group Ltd Partner — Ambassador Crocker serves on the board of the Good Governance Group Ltd.
- Hills and Co. Partner — Ambassador Thomas Pickering is the vice chairman at Hills and Co., an international consulting firm.
- House Foreign Affairs Committee Partner — Received a letter of support from the leadership of the House Foreign Affairs Committee for its Peace Games initiative.
- ICONS Partner — Worked with ICONS to adapt the Peace Game exercise.
- Institute for the Study of Diplomacy Partner — Ambassador Chester Crocker serves on the board of Georgetown University's Institute for the Study of Diplomacy.
- Institute of World Politics Partner — Glenn A Corn is an Adjunct Professor at the Institute of World Politics.
- Intelligence for Good Partner — Glenn A Corn is a member of the Board of Advisors of the Non-Profit organization “Intelligence for Good”.
- International Peace and Security Institute Partner — Ambassador Crocker serves on the board of the International Peace and Security Institute.
- Meridian International Center Partner — Partnered to create an A.I. Policy & Diplomacy Seminar Series.
- Meridian International Center Partner — Working with Meridian International Center to revamp the State-Congressional seminar program.
- National Institute for Deterrence Studies Partner — Todd Schmidt served as a Senior Fellow at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies.
- Ngena Foundation Partner — Ambassador Crocker serves on the board of the Ngena Foundation.
- Pallas Advisors Partner — Nate Prussian is a Director at Pallas Advisors where he advises dual-use tech companies.
- Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic at West Point Partner — Todd Schmidt served as a Research Fellow at the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic at West Point.
- Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business Partner — Partnered to create a Commercial Diplomacy Initiative and hosted roundtables and programs.
- Special Operations Fund Partner — Ambassador Miller founded and serves as chairman emeritus of the Special Operations Fund, which provides scholarships for the widows and children of deceased members of special operations military units.
- Torch Hill Capital, LLC Partner — Ambassador David C. Miller, Jr. is a partner and founding investor of Torch Hill Capital, LLC, a private equity firm.
- U.S. Institute of Peace Partner — Partnered to advance the quality and capacity of the Peace Game exercise.
- United States Institute of Peace (USIP) Partner — Ambassador Crocker chaired the board of the United States Institute of Peace (1992–2004) and continued to serve as a director through 2011.
- Universal Corporation, Inc. Partner — Ambassador Crocker serves on the board of Universal Corporation, Inc.
- University of Kansas Partner — Todd Schmidt served as a Senior Fellow at the University of Kansas, Office of Strategic Defense Initiatives.
- University of Maryland ICONS Project Partner — Partnered to advance the quality and capacity of the Peace Game exercise and launched the first Peace Game.
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