Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Highland Center and when was it established?

What is a business and community incubator?

To incubate means to help nurture and grow.  As a business incubator, The Highland Center helps successfully develop start-up and fledgling businesses in the region. As a community incubator, it creates community partnerships and collaborations that further cultural and economic development. 

Is The Highland Center a part of local government or another organization?

Who established The Highland Center?

The Center was created by a group of local citizens who wanted to preserve the historic local school building and adapt it for community needs. 

Most business incubators focus only on incubating for-profit businesses. The Highland Center is unique in that it nurtures both small businesses and non-profit organizations.  This strategy of mixing business and non-profit incubation is tailored to the needs of our rural community, and it allows the Center to promote both community and economic development.

 
What else is unique about The Highland Center?

Many things come together under one roof.  Not only is the Center a business and community incubator, but it is also the steward of an historic building.  The Center is home to the Highland County Arts Council, which produces plays and musicals and conducts art classes and workshops for the community.  The Center operates the county's only farmer’s market as well as a youth employment program.  The Center's auditorium offers space for public events such as weddings, reunions, meetings and fundraisers. The Center is home to the Highland Senior Center as well as the Highland County Chamber of Commerce, and it maintains a full-size, licensed commercial kitchen that can be used by local entrepreneurs and organizations.

Why is The Highland Center conducting a capital campaign?

The Highland Center's building has not had a complete renovation since it was constructed in 1922.  The Center is embarking on the campaign to preserve this historic structure and allow for growth of the important programs within it.

Plans for renovation, including costs, phases and structural needs, have been completed in a professional feasibility study. 

What is the timeframe for the campaign?

The Campaign kicked off in summer 2007 and will conclude in December 2009. 

 
How much will the campaign raise?

The overall campaign goal is $3 million.  This includes renovations ($2.25 million), operations ($350,000), and an initial endowment fund ($400,000).  For a complete budgetary breakdown, please contact the Center.

 
Where is the money going?

The scope of work for the renovations includes replacement of the roof, structural modifications and upgrades, interior and exterior renovations, development of a new conference/retreat space, upgrades to the theater space, site and parking improvements, addition of Farmers’ Market Pavilion and modifications to make the building accessible for people of all ages and physical abilities.  All renovations will be made in accordance with the U.S. Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties to preserve the look and integrity of the building.

 
How will the renovations benefit the community?

With a newly renovated facility, The Highland Center will have additional space to help more businesses and organizations.  A state-of-the art Conference and Retreat Center will bring additional visitors to the area and increase revenue from tourism. The upgraded auditorium will provide improved and expanded space for both performers and audiences.  The community will have a comfortable and beautiful space with premiere facilities for reunions, receptions, weddings and meetings.  Also, business and non-profit tenants will benefit by having a more professional space in which to interact with clients.

 
How will the renovations benefit The Highland Center?

 In what form may donations be made? 

Campaign donations may be made in cash, pledges (up to three years), appreciated stock and property.  Donations of any size are welcomed, and gifts can be made anonymously if desired.  For more information on was to give, please contact the Center.  

What are named giving opportunities?

Individuals or groups can come together to name a room or space after a beloved friend, teacher or family member.  Named gifts allow donors to commemorate individuals who are deserving of this permanent symbol of recognition.  A wide variety of opportunities have been designed for different giving levels.  Please contact the Center for more information.

 
Are donations tax-deductible?

 Yes.  The Highland Center is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 organization.  All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.  A financial statement for The Highland Center is available upon written request from the Virginia Division of Consumer Affairs of the Commonwealth’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.   Copies are also available by contacting The Highland Center office.