Perdue's nonprofit

In 2006, Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue started a foundation to promote the military in North Carolina.

The N.C. Military Foundation is a 501(c)(6), a tax-exempt nonprofit that promotes economic development and can engage in limited political activity.

The group filed articles of incorporation with the N.C. Secretary of State's office on Sept. 6, 2006.

According to the documents, its mission is:

(a) To improve the economy of North Carolina by assisting in the expansion of U.S. defense and homeland security related business opportunities in North Carolina. This can be accomplished by preparing North Carolina businesses to meet the contractual needs of existing U.S. Military facilities in North Carolina, as well as, providing the proper environment and structure to encourage the U.S. Department of Defense Research and Development to be conducted in the North Carolina private sector and University system.

(b) To foster, at the state level, the proper public policy environment to encourage the retention and growth of U.S. military facilities in North Carolina, and to encourage the increase of military procurement from businesses located in North Carolina.

The nonprofit is registered at 3605 Glenwood Ave., Suite 240, Raleigh, N.C. 27612.