In late May, the Christiansburg Town Council denied a grant request from the Christiansburg Institute Inc. as the organization works to renovate the historically and culturally significant Edgar A. Long building.
Concerned that dissenting council members failed to appreciate the organization’s recently restructured administration, or the considerable time and expense involved in restoring historic buildings, the leadership of Christiansburg Institute, Inc. corrected misunderstandings and righted the longstanding funding relationship it has with the Town of Christiansburg.
On May 22, Bob Leonard, chair of CI, Inc., provided comprehensive documentation of the organization’s fiscal integrity and use of funds.
In response, the town council reinstated funding for the 20-year-old organization in its 2018/19 budget.
The town’s annual grant-application process requires specific information of all external agencies on how money was spent during the prior funded year, and how the requested town money will be spent. Public records show that Christiansburg funded CI, Inc. for $10,000 annually from 2007/8-2014/15. Those funds supported the organization’s operational/program costs, and, in the eighth year, CI, Inc. received support for contracting with professional consultants to develop a comprehensive business plan.
Christiansburg Institute Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the remaining facilities and archives of the school, which served African American children and families from across the state of Virginia and beyond from 1866-1966.
Today, CI, Inc. works with community partners to offer programs on the history and future of the school. Comprised of alumni and community volunteers, it focuses diligently on building and maintaining its organizational capacity.
A profound commitment to honest, transparent communication is key to its growth and reputation.
Board Chair Leonard stated, “(our long-term goal is) the ambitious revitalization of the Edgar A. Long building, one of the last buildings of this historic school on Scattergood Drive. We regard our relationship with the town as a partnership to honor our area’s proud and nationally significant African-American history.”
In its decision to award $10,000 to CI Inc. in 2018-‘19, specifically for roof repair of the Long building, council members acknowledged that “clarification and accurate information had been provided,” and two members reversed their dissenting opinions.
Recognizing that the projected cost for repairing the roof is $150,000, the town requires that its funding must be matched by other sources.
