Established in 1979 as the Marine Corps Historical Foundation, the MCHF is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Marine Corps history and traditions. We directly support the historical programs of the Marine Corps in ways that might not otherwise be available through appropriated funds. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of former Marines.

In 1999, following the years of research and study, the Foundation's mission was expanded to include the planning and development of the new National Museum of the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Heritage Center. The Museum will forever document and depict the story of American history as seen through the eyes of Marines.

The Directors and staff of the Foundation have implemented the following mission, vision and goals for the continual development of the Marine Corps Heritage Center and completion of the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation shall fulfill its purpose through aggressive fundraising beyond our affinity audience (the family of Marines and those with a special connection to the Marine Corps), reaching out to other parties such as government, philanthropists, educational foundations and others who come to its attention in order to preserve and propagate the history, traditions and culture of the Marine Corps and to educate all Americans in its virtues.

The Foundation’s vision for the future includes the following items:

• Planning, funding and completing the Marine Corps Heritage Center
• Creating and nurturing an endowment fund which promotes continuing education focused on the culture, history and values of the Marine Corps
• Promoting the Marine Corps’ long term historical research and educational activities through financial and intellectual pre-eminence among all military oriented foundations and associations

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s goals include the following:

• Raise $85 million to complete the development and construction of the Marine Corps Heritage Center to include the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Semper Fidelis Memorial Park
• Increase the endowment that supports all of the Foundation’s programs through systematic annual augmentation with emphasis on seeking educational grants