Advancing Craft Education & Entrepreneurship

VCUarts has been invited by the Windgate Foundation to complete a challenge grant raising support for the department of Craft/Material Studies. Windgate Foundation, based in Little Rock Arkansas, is a private foundation established in 1993 whose purpose is to advance contemporary craft and strengthen visual arts education in the United States. This grant, if we successfully meet the challenge, will provide students and graduates with the tools they need to thrive in their professional careers. Funds will support emerging artist residency fellowships, graduate teaching assistantships, and a mentoring program for students participating in a craft entrepreneurship course. Outcomes for these programs are centered on financial literacy, marketing, leadership, product development and management, strategic thinking, and networking in the arts.

Support the Windgate Foundation Challenge Grant Today

We need your help to secure this vital support for students. Please consider making a gift to the Department of Craft/Material Studies before the deadline of June 30, 2026. Every gift, dollar for dollar, will be matched by Windgate if we reach our fundraising goal of $50,000.
Give

To mail a donation:
Send a check payable to the VCU Foundation, with “Windgate Challenge Grant” in the memo line, to:
VCUarts
Box 843042
Richmond, VA 23284-3042

To make a gift by phone:
(804) 938-4348

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