VCU Rice Rivers Center fundraising receives major boost

The fundraising effort for a research laboratory complex at the VCU Rice Rivers Center received a major boost.

The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation received a $1 million challenge grant from Mary Morton Parsons Foundation.  Gifts and pledges to meet the match came from more than 200 individuals, corporations and foundations.

The $7 million, 14,000-square-foot facility will provide laboratory, office and meeting space at Rice Rivers Center, a nearly 500-acre research station on the James River in Charles City County. The funding will support river-related research and training of environmental scientists.

Scientists and researchers from VCU and collaborating institutions will have access to specialized equipment and work areas.

Fundraising for the research facility, including the challenge grant, was part of the Make It Real Campaign for VCU, which has raised more than $630 million.

VCU Life Sciences, of which Rice Rivers Center is part of, has raised $10 million as part of the campaign, which also funded construction of the Inger Rice Lodge at the center last year.

VIA design architects has started the design and permitting process for the research facility, and construction is scheduled to begin by fall 2019.