Donate to the Architects Foundation this Giving Tuesday
You and your fellow AIA members share a passion for design, a desire to change the world, and a commitment to the highest standards of practice. The philanthropic partner of the AIA, the Architects Foundation, puts those values into action.
Through scholarships, community outreach programs, and exhibits, we empower architects to use the power of design to solve problems, transform lives, and create a better world.
In 2024, with your help, we supported more than 80 architecture students with scholarship funds, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Your investment doesn’t end after graduation. Our grant programs for emerging professionals include student loan relief, Architect Registration Exam support, and funding to attend the annual AIA Conference on Architecture & Design and Women’s Leadership Summit. Your support expanded opportunities that dismantle the barriers to entry for the architecture and design professions.
Communities by Design (CxD), a longstanding program of AIA, joined the Foundation in 2023 and continued to make an impact this year by supporting community-led transformation. CxD responded to hundreds of requests from communities facing challenges such as climate change and inequitable housing, and organized Design Assistance Teams to provide hands-on support through public participation workshops in Tennessee, Vermont, and Texas. During AIA24, CxD’s tours and panel discussions demonstrated the role of engaged “citizen architects” in shaping our built environment.
In 2024, our historic home – the Octagon – was a vibrant hub for architecture, design, and collaboration. We proudly welcomed over 2,500 visitors to access thought-provoking exhibitions, inspiring tours, and unique events. Our collaborations with partners including DC NOMA, LA IDEA, Heller Furniture, and Howard University brought fresh perspectives to our historic space, elevating the dialogue around art, architecture, and social change.
But we can't do it alone.
Your support – as AIA members – is crucial. Your donation to the Architects Foundation ensures that aspiring architects receive the education and mentorship they need to succeed, that underrepresented voices are heard and supported, and that innovative, sustainable design solutions are accessible to the communities that most need them.
Why donate?
Support the next generation. Scholarships and educational programs for students and young professionals help bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement.
Strengthen the profession. Help shape a diverse architectural community that thrives, adapts, and leads in addressing the challenges of the 21st century.
Transform communities. Ensure that communities with the greatest needs can access our tools and resources without cost barriers.
How your donation helps:
$50 allows us to offer free admission to students for public lectures and exhibitions.
$250 helps defray the costs of the ARE for a designer on the path to licensure.
$1,000 covers airfare for Design Assistance Team members traveling to support a community in need.
Every dollar you contribute makes a tangible difference in supporting the advancement of architecture. Together, we can build a future where the power of design is harnessed for the greater good, making a lasting impact on the world around us.