Meta funds Science Museum of Virginia’s environmental initiatives with $250,000 grant
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Meta, the multinational technology company behind Facebook and other social media platforms, has granted the Science Museum of Virginia a $250,000 grant for environmentally-focused initiatives through 2027.
The technology company's donation will go towards the following:
- Building a working greenhouse on the museum's campus that will be used for sustainable horticulture education
- An activity-filled festival, with a focus on sustainability, natural resources and environmental science scheduled to take place in April 2026 and 2027
- Hands-on lessons for area schools about design, engineering and natural landscapes
- Further enhancing the "Science on a Sphere" demonstrations -- interactive programs using a six-foot diameter sphere to showcase National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data collected across the globe
- Science museum summer camp spots for three students in Henrico County's East End through the new META Camp Scholar Program
“Meta supports our educational goals of helping Virginians reduce their impact on the environment, adopt more sustainable practices and better understand energy and natural resource use,” said Richard Conti, Science Museum Chief Wonder Officer. “We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes from our partnership over the next several years for both our community and its residents.”
Science Museum Foundation Director Martha Quinn using a Meta Quest. (Courtesy of the Science Museum of Virginia)
(Courtesy of the Science Museum of Virginia)
Science Museum Director Rich Conti and Henrico County Budget Director John Vithoulkas. (Courtesy of the Science Museum of Virginia)
(Courtesy of the Science Museum of Virginia)
Science Museum Deputy Director Timshel Purdum. (Courtesy of the Science Museum of Virginia)
(Courtesy of the Science Museum of Virginia)
Science on a Sphere at SMOVA. (Courtesy of the Science Museum of Virginia)
The grant was announced by Meta at a Science Museum event on Thursday, April 24.
