We’re starting a new content series at The Phil to make sure you’re up to speed on the latest nonprofit news around the region. Sometimes, these news bites will grow into a larger story, but sometimes, we’re trying to share the news quickly to keep its timeliness intact.
Phil-Ins will be published monthly and curated from stories we’ve heard, pitches we’ve received and submissions we collect through our website (more on that, soon).
RPAA lighting it up
Congrats to the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, named by the National Endowment for the Arts as one of 262 Challenge Grant recipients from around the country. The $10,000 grant will support RPAA’s
“2023-24 Lights Up! Youth Series: On the Road” workshops, a series of free art workshops and performances for youth of all ages in theatre, music, dance and the like.
“We believe that all members of our community should have the opportunity to engage in high-quality arts education and learning opportunities, and this grant will help us bring these programs to more people throughout the Greater Richmond region,” said Abbi Haggerty, RPAA’s executive director.
Looking for a board seat?
If you’re interested in exploring board service with a mission-driven nonprofit, mark your calendar for March 28. Leadership Metro Richmond will be holding another of its series of Board Connector networking events that seek to match nonprofits with new board members. The next board connector will take place at The Collaboratory of Virginia at UTurn from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
A developing opportunity
Invest Appalachia, a new fund created to accelerate community development across the rural Appalachian region, is accepting proposals for initiatives that benefit select counties in southwest Virginia. The IA Fund specifically targets community health (including affordable housing), access to healthcare, clean energy, community revitalization and food and agriculture. As part of the first round of investments, UnitedHealth Group has committed the largest contribution at $10 million. Nonprofits can learn more and apply to receive funding here.
Fire up the production line
Civica Rx, a nonprofit pharmaceutical manufacturer, broke ground on its Petersburg plant two years ago, but production begins this year in its 140,000-square-foot facility. The group produces insulin, and products will begin to hit the market in 2024. Brightpoint Community College, which serves the Petersburg region, recently launched a pharmaceutical manufacturing career studies certificate to help staff the facility. RichmondBizSense has the story.
Not quite a curtain close
Two Richmond nonprofit performing arts venues are merging, citing overlaps in mission and vision. The Firehouse Theatre and The New Theatre will merge this year. Firehouse’s producing artistic director Joel Bassin will retire, and The New Theatre’s executive director, Nathanial Shaw, will replace him. Read Style Weekly’s piece, or watch the statement posted by the Richmond Times-Dispatch below.
