MAF is pleased to announce that three Damian Farrell Architecture Awareness Grants have been awarded during its first round of 2026 grants. The grants provide financial assistance to organizations and individuals that organize, sponsor, and promote events, lectures, publications, and experiences that increase awareness and appreciation of architecture.
2026 AIA Huron Valley Honors Awards Publication No. 9
The booklet, which is published each year by AIA Huron Valley, features the year’s Honor Awards entrants and winners. This year’s publication also invites submissions from members to showcase early design work, including rough diagrams, concept sketches, and quick graphic notes used to start a project or convey ideas, including napkin sketches, doodles, and hand-drawn speculations. See past AIAHV AWARDS publications on the chapter’s website, here.
AIA Southwest Explore SWM App
Intended as a field guide for residents, visitors, students, and design lovers, AIA Southwest Michigan hopes to inspire the love of architecture by offering an immersive educational experience through the AIA Explore App.
This smart app utilizes real time data from your device’s GPS to connect you to information about the buildings closest to your location. The grant will go towards continuing to develop and improve the app.
Forming Function Podcast
The podcast presents a series of stories which promote the role and impact of design in everyday lives with approachable, educational, humorous, and entertaining storytelling that appeals to everyone. The show will feature rotating guests hosts and additional voices from the community. The grant will help fund the third season and produce 10 episodes.
Damian Farrell Architecture Awareness Grants are awarded each January and July (applications are now being accepted for the next round of grants in July). Applications are judged by the MAF Damian Farrell Architecture Awareness Committee and approved by the MAF Board of Trustees. In 2025, a total of $15,000 will be awarded.
For more information on the grants and how to apply: https://michiganarchitecturalfoundation.org/grants/awareness-grants/