Shenandoah University announced today the awarding of a $100,000 challenge grant received from the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation. This grant will support the Hub for Innovators, Veterans, and Entrepreneurs (HIVE), which is transforming the historic armory building into a future-focused hub and innovation accelerator for tech business startup, expansion, and relocation, as well as for veteran support.
The $100,000 grant is contingent upon raising an additional $100,000 for the project by November 2023. This challenge grant means that every dollar the community donates for the project is matched at a rate of one-to-one.
The former National Guard armory, located at the entrance corridor to the city of Winchester’s historic downtown and the entrance to Shenandoah University, has been vacant for 17 years. The funding will help reimagine this local landmark to advance regional economic development strategies, and to meet the increased demand for future talent in Winchester and the commonwealth. This project is preserving, renovating and transforming the historic building into a catalyst for long-term employment opportunities and ongoing economic revitalization.
“This funding from Mary Morton Parsons Foundation will ensure that the project is able to raise the funds needed to remain on its timeline and begin to bolster economic development, contribute to workforce training, and strengthen civic engagement in Winchester beginning in 2024. Every dollar donated makes a huge difference, and we hope you will join us in supporting this important project and to help ensure that the grant funding is received.”
DeShon Foxx, M.S., Shenandoah University assistant vice president for advancement
Foxx went on to explain that if the university does not raise $100,000 in donations towards this project by Nov. 30, the challenge grant is forfeited.
“In a world increasingly dependent on modern technology, cybersecurity, virtual and extended reality, 3D asset creation, block chain, data analytics and data science are some of the most in-demand skill sets,” said Winchester City Manager Dan Hoffman. “The HIVE will create new workforce pathways and deliver support for regional entrepreneurs in these high-skill, high-demand fields.”
You can support the HIVE and ensure that this important community project stays on track by going to advancement.su.edu/armory-restoration. To learn more about this project and specific gift opportunities that are available, please contact Foxx at 540-678-4453 or dfoxx@su.edu.
Shenandoah University will hold its eighth annual Day of Giving on April 20-21 as alumni, friends and students are invited to collectively make a difference and support the university’s mission by donating toward opportunities like the HIVE. To learn more about other giving opportunities and how your support impacts the student experience, visit su.edu/giving or contact give@su.edu or 888-697-2111.
The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation is a private, independent foundation that provides financial support for charitable organizations in Richmond and throughout Virginia. Partnering with local organizations through matching and challenge grants, Mary Morton Parsons Foundation is striving to make our region a better place to live and work.
