Organization Profile
The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation’s mission is to advance the impact and benefit of tourism on the Richmond Region by supporting and investing in local education, diversity and inclusion and sports tourism programs. The Richmond Region Tourism (RRT) Foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity organized to advance the impact and benefit of tourism on the Richmond Region by supporting and investing in local education, diversity and inclusion, and sports tourism programs. A portion of BLK RVA is funded through the RRT Foundation to advance the impact of the program, locally, through enhanced community engagement and corporate outreach. BLK RVA is also funded by RRT’s Marketing Department for its national marketing efforts. The Community Relations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of BLK RVA and has the sole responsibility of RRT Foundation’s DEI initiatives, including the BLK RVA program. The Community Relations Manager reports to the VP of Community Relations and is responsible for carrying out the strategic plan and other recommendations of the BLK RVA Advisory Team. The Community Relations Manager is also responsible for defining the scope of the advisory team to include establishing meeting agendas and workflows in partnership with the BLK RVA Advisory Team Lead. In addition to BLK RVA, the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation raises funds that support educational efforts like the free I Am Tourism ambassador training program, programs that help the world recognize the Richmond region’s importance as a sports tourism destination, and our other Diversity, Equity & Inclusive campaign, OutRVA. Through the Foundation, we are also able to award four $1,000 scholarships each year to students entering a tourism-related profession. OutRVA: A program of Richmond Region Tourism in partnership with community members. Diversity is one of Richmond Region Tourism Foundation’s key pillars – and to support diversity, we fully fund OutRVA, a community-driven program that celebrates the region’s LGBTQ culture. OutRVA not only lists LGBTQ events, nightlife, dining options, arts attractions, and other items of interest to visitors – it also features articles, encourages the sharing of stories through social media, and supports the LGBTQ community as a whole. Go out. Stay out. Live out. And see what OutRVA has to offer. THE I AM TOURISM AMBASSADOR PROGRAM: Free training to become the ultimate RVA host. This program provides free training for those who would like to serve as ambassadors of our region. • Each in-person workshop includes a two-hour classroom session including exclusive virtual video tours led by Bill Martin, Executive Director of The Valentine. • Upon completion of the workshop, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, an I Am Tourism lapel pin, and a regional attractions guest pass to experience first-hand the many offerings of the Richmond region. • IAT graduates are eligible to participate in the 6-week Ambassador Academy presented in partnership with The Valentine. To learn more about the IAT Ambassador Academy, click HERE. RICHMOND REGION TOURISM FOUNDATION EVENTS Richmond Region Open This major fundraiser has helped the foundation generate funds since 2003. Proceeds from the event benefit the foundation, supporting our educational programs, sports grants, and scholarships. RVA Sports Awards Sports tourism contributes millions of dollars a year to our local economy – and this awards event recognizes the best of the region’s best. The RVA Sports Awards accepts nominations for outstanding local sports leaders, athletes, and teams. All proceeds from the awards show benefit the RRT Foundation’s Sports Tourism Grant Program. Tourism Awards & Annual Meeting This annual event recognizes those members of our local community who have gone above and beyond to support tourism in the region. Awards are given for sports, partnerships, events, customer service, leadership, and several other categories. The event also recognizes the recipients of the four annual $1,000 scholarships, which are partially funded by the ticket sales of this meeting.
