Startup nonprofit gets $100K grant

Published May 22, 2019 by Staff Reports

A startup nonprofit based in Richmond has gotten a shot in the arm that will help it launch a new leadership program.

Startup Virginia announced Tuesday a $100,000 grant from the Luck Companies Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the mining and metals company based in Manakin-Sabot.

Startup Virginia formed in 2016 as a nonprofit business incubator for companies across Virginia and is based in Richmond. The organization works with around 70 startups, more than 200 mentors and subject matter experts and a regional network of investors.

Half of the $100,000-grant will pay for a new leadership development program at Startup Virginia.

“Participants will learn the basic beliefs behind values based leadership, including the idea that leadership is a choice, not a title,” said a press release on the grant.

The program will consist of a series of workshops led by The InnerWill Leadership Institute, a nonprofit founded by Luck Companies president and CEO Charlie Luck IV.

The workshops will focus on “Values Based Leadership,” which Startup Virginia defined in a press release as “a practice that motivates and inspires leaders by connecting company goals to their core values.”

Planned workshops touch on various themes. A workshop on self-awareness will help participants identify their personal style. Another workshop will look at best practices for giving and receiving feedback.

The other half of the grant will be used to fund Startup Virginia’s ongoing work.