MAF is pleased to announce it recently awarded three Damian Farrell Architecture Awareness 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. Find out more about the grantees and their projects.
2025 AIA Grand Rapids Honors Awards Program Video and Media Production (Grantee: AIA Grand Rapids)
The mission of AIA Grand Rapids is to unite and amplify the voices of the architectural profession to empower and inspire our members and communities.
The grant will help to support the 2025 AIA Grand Rapids Honor Awards Program Video and Media Production Budget.
This year’s event will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at GLC Live at 20 Monroe in Grand Rapids.
AIA Explore SWM App (Grantee: AIA Southwest MI Chapter)
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.
The app utilizes real time data from your device’s GPS to connect you to building descriptions, stories, and technical information about the area around you. You can filter the database to learn about contributions by specific architects, or design through the decades. You can also access the pre-designed walking and driving tours to focus your curiosity on specific neighborhoods, architectural styles or building types.
The grant will go towards the expansion of the app over the next three years.
University of Michigan Duderstadt Center 30th Year Anniversary Drone Video (Grantee: Carol Kahn-representing the University of Michigan Duderstadt Gallery Committee, Pewabic Pottery, and the AK Legacy Foundation)
Opened in 1996, The James and Anne Duderstadt Center helps to provide faculty and students with tools and collaborative space for building the future, including housing the Art, Architecture, and Engineering library. Designed by Albert Kahn Associates, the 270,000 square foot building is open 24 hours a day and plays a vital role in students’ education at the University of Michigan.
The grant will support the creation of a drone video for the Duderstadt Center’s 30th year celebration.
Damian Farrell Architecture Awareness Grants are awarded each January and 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 $18,000 has been awarded.
For more information on the grants and how to apply: https://michiganarchitecturalfoundation.org/grants/awareness-grants/