The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Foundation advances opportunities that strengthen Southern Virginia. Through strategic investments in education, workforce development, research, innovation and economic growth, the Foundation helps drive economic transformation and expand the impact of IALR programs, facilities and initiatives.
Whether you are a company, foundation or individual donor, you can choose to support the areas that matter most to you or your organization. From scholarships and STEM education to advanced manufacturing, applied research and regional economic development, Foundation investments help create lasting opportunities throughout the region.
Meet Our
Senior Director, Institutional Advancement
Foundation Impact at Glance
IALR Mission
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts.
IALR Vision
To realize Southern Virginia as home to a dynamic economy where all can live and thrive.
Foundation Investment Areas
The Foundation supports a broad range of programs, initiatives and strategic priorities across IALR. Donors may choose to invest in specific areas of interest or provide flexible support that advances the organization’s mission wherever opportunities exist.
Workforce Development and Talent Pipeline
There are more than 7,000+ students in the regional manufacturing pipeline, which flows into various program off-ramps. The Foundation invests in many of these programs, including Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) and Integrated Machining Technology (IMT).
Infrastructure and Strategic Growth
The IALR campus spans 300,000+ square feet across seven buildings, as well as multiple greenhouses, controlled-environment agriculture facilities and the Center for Manufacturing Advancement, which includes the U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE). The IALR Foundation secures resources to expand and enhance IALR’s facilities, technology, and research capabilities to support long-term regional advancement and defense manufacturing training.
STEM Programming & Work-Based Learning
IALR supports 20,000+ STEM learners annually. The Foundation supports a range of STEM-focused initiatives, including the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program, STEM Scholarships and summer STEM Camps, as well as work-based learning initiatives such as internships, externships and Registered Apprenticeships that build a highly skilled workforce.
Economic Growth & Business Competitiveness
IALR and the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance supported the announcement of 2,754 new regional jobs. The Foundation supports initiatives that position Virginia as a hub for high-tech industries, attract targeted sector investments and strengthen regional businesses to compete globally.
Military & Veteran Monument Fund
The Navy strongly endorses the display of naval vessels and their artifacts to help preserve and commemorate their histories and to honor the service of their crews. The sail of the ex-USS BUFFALO (SSN 715) and the rudder of the ex-USS PROVIDENCE (SSN 719) are on display on the IALR campus, and contributions will support the ongoing maintenance of this monument.
IALR Sustainability and Operations
The IALR Foundation is committed to efficient daily operations and leadership initiatives to ensure long-term impact and mission fulfillment.
Support the Areas That Matter Most to You
The IALR Foundation supports programs and initiatives across every division of IALR. Depending on your interests, you may choose to invest in:
- Workforce Development and Talent Pipeline Programs
- STEM Education and Student Experiences
- Scholarships and Endowments
- Applied Research Initiatives
- Manufacturing Advancement
- Economic Development Initiatives
- Strategic Facilities and Infrastructure
- Community-Focused Projects
- Military & Veteran Monument Fund
Each investment helps advance IALR’s mission while creating measurable benefits for Southern Virginia.
Invest in Southern Virginia
Foundation Goals
The IALR Foundation’s resource development efforts are strategically aligned with IALR’s mission to drive economic transformation, establish Southern Virginia as a leader in business and workforce development, and foster innovation. Our investment supports innovation, economic transformation and education.
By securing and stewarding financial resources, the Foundation supports initiatives that advance IALR’s strategic goals and long-term impact.
For nearly two decades, the IALR Foundation has supported local high school seniors through STEM scholarships, awarding nearly $200,000 to help students pursue their passions and take the next step in their educational journey.
“This scholarship is going to help with the financial burden of college and allow me to focus more on developing my skills as an engineer and engaging in the opportunities that are available.” – Victoria Spong, 2026 IALR Foundation Scholarship Recipient
“This scholarship will make a significant difference in my ability to focus on my studies at George Mason University. Thank you for your generous support. I am committed to working hard and making the most of this opportunity.” – Jaxson Elliott, 2025 IALR Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Investing in Southern Virginia's Growth and Success
John Roark / Two-Time IALR Research Intern
Linda Green / IALR, Southern Virginia Regional Alliance
Ethan Wilkerson / IALR Information Technology Intern
Amy Scott / Summer Camp Parent
Linda Green / IALR, Southern Virginia Regional Alliance
Leave a Lasting Legacy:
The IALR Foundation offers naming opportunities that allow donors to make a lasting investment in education, innovation and regional growth while creating a meaningful legacy.
Opportunities may include:
- Buildings and Facilities
- Classrooms, Labs and Conference Center Spaces
- Scholarships and Endowments
- Programs and Initiatives
Named investments provide critical support while recognizing the individuals, companies and foundations helping shape the future of Southern Virginia. Every naming opportunity is tailored to your interests and the IALR’s needs. We would be honored to explore how your generosity can make a lasting mark.
Other Ways to Invest
Your generosity can take many forms, and every gift helps us drive progress in our region. If you are looking for meaningful ways to support the IALR Foundation beyond traditional giving, we offer several options that may align with your personal, financial, and charitable investment goals.
Legacy and Planned Investments
Planned giving allows you to make a thoughtful, strategic investment —often with financial benefits for you and your loved ones. By including the IALR Foundation in your estate plans, you can make an enduring investment that continues to strengthen our region for generations to come.
We are here to work with you and your advisors to structure an investment that aligns with your intentions while making a lasting impact at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and throughout Southern Virginia.
Common types of planned investments include:
- A bequest through your will or trust
- Designating the IALR Foundation as a beneficiary of your retirement account or life insurance policy
- Establishing a charitable remainder trust
- An enduring investment is an inspiring reflection of your values and a powerful commitment to the future of our region.
Matching Contributions
Employers may match investments to increase their impact. Check with your company to see if a matching gift program is available.
Real Estate Contributions
Real estate can be a powerful way to support our mission while potentially reducing your tax burden. Investments in property — whether residential, commercial or undeveloped land — may be used directly or sold to fund priority initiatives.
Common Foundation Questions
Your investment fuels education, workforce development, innovation and economic transformation across Southern Virginia, creating opportunities that strengthen the region for generations to come.
Yes. Donors may choose to support specific programs, scholarships, divisions, initiatives or strategic priorities that align with their interests. The Foundation also accepts unrestricted investments that provide flexibility to address emerging opportunities and organizational needs.
Investments support scholarships, workforce training, student programs, research initiatives and strategic investments that deliver measurable benefits throughout the region.
The IALR Foundation invests in workforce development, STEM education, economic transformation, research and community-focused initiatives that position Southern Virginia for continued success.
Students, educators, employers, entrepreneurs, workers, veterans, industry and community members all benefit from programs and initiatives made possible through the support of the IALR Foundation.
Yes. The IALR Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity, and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Supporters can establish endowed scholarships, make planned gifts, contribute to named funds, or participate in naming opportunities that create a lasting impact for future generations.
The Foundation supports innovation, economic transformation and education
The IALR Foundation aligns its funding efforts with IALR’s strategic plan and goals, ensuring high-impact investments directly further IALR’s mission to drive economic transformation.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity under the Internal Revenue Code. Your donation to the Foundation is deductible as permitted by law.
