Foundation Relations
Shaping ideas into fundable opportunities
Foundation Relations
Forging partnerships that create positive change in the world
When missions align
Our Foundation Relations team aims to build strong, lasting relationships between foundations and Virginia Tech to advance mutual goals. As a centralized resource, we work with colleges, programs, and Advancement colleagues to identify university expertise that aligns with philanthropic interest
We also work closely with the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation and the Office of Sponsored Programs, to help Virginia Tech faculty deliver effective, compliant proposals to top national and local foundations. And to encourage ongoing support, we provide high-level stewardship and recognition to our foundation partners through outreach and communication.
Helping research find its champions
Our team offers a full continuum of services to the Virginia Tech community and industry to help partnerships grow and flourish and ensure the discoveries made at the university deliver economic and human impact. We enable platforms and projects large and small.
Our team
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Lane GuilliamsAssociate Director, Foundation Relations // Lane Guilliams develops and expands partnerships with foundations in support of academic programs and faculty research. An advancement professional for more than 15 years, she has spent much of her career working with external and internal stakeholders and supporters to establish and strengthen meaningful philanthropic partnerships.<br/>Having previously worked in an alumni relations role at Virginia Tech, Lane enjoys serving her alma mater once again. She has a passion for working in higher education, and especially enjoys working with foundation funders to match their philanthropic goals with the goals of the university. Lane earned a B.S. from Virginia Tech and an M.A. from the University of Oklahoma. She is a certified fundraising executive.//laneg@vt.edu
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Tracy KrauchunDirector for Foundation Relations//Tracy Krauchun develops and manages a comprehensive and strategic foundation relations program to support the university’s goals and objectives. A higher education advancement professional for more than 20 years, Tracy has spent most of her career working with faculty and university leadership to establish and strengthen meaningful partnerships with philanthropic foundations.<br/>Tracy is proud to be part of an institution committed to a mission of service, and she enjoys working as part of a team committed to advancing that mission. She sees her role as that of a facilitator, bringing together faculty and foundations who share a common goal. Tracy earned a B.A. and an M.S. in public service administration from DePaul University.//tkrauchun@vt.edu//(540) 231-2896
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Crasha V. TownsendConsultant, Foundation Relations//Crasha V. Townsend is a nationally recognized thought leader in higher education with more than 20 years of experience in institutional transformation, organizational development, and student engagement. Her career spans advancement, academic affairs, student affairs, and university strategy, where she has led bold, data-informed initiatives that foster inclusive, student-centered environments.<br/>Before joining Foundation Relations, she served as assistant provost at Virginia Tech, where she built a reputation as a visionary strategist, bridging academia, corporate partnerships and student success initiatives. She holds a B.S. in integrated public relations from Central Michigan University, an M.Ed. in higher education administration from Grand Valley State University, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Northwest Nazarene University.//crasha@vt.edu