The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation has been awarded a $280,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to grow its fundraising and financial support efforts that directly benefit students, local employers, and educational partners across the region.

The funding will help the Foundation expand its capacity to support the mission of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, strengthening the regional economy by providing access to higher education and professional development for the current and future workforce.

As part of the project, the Foundation will hire a Director of Development to lead new fundraising initiatives, including establishing an endowment for scholarships and tuition assistance, leveraging private donations, applying for additional grant funding, and providing matching funds for future projects.

“This ARC grant is a tremendous boost for the Higher Education Center Foundation and for the communities we serve,” said David Matlock, Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. “It allows us to build the kind of long-term support system that ensures students in Southwest Virginia can continue to pursue higher education close to home.”

In addition to expanding fundraising capacity, the grant will also support a strategic planning process, strengthen board development and training, and enhance policies and procedures in line with nonprofit best practices. These steps will ensure that the Foundation can continue to grow sustainably and respond proactively to the educational needs of the region.