Fellows Fund for Equity (F2E) Grant

Sponsored by the AIA Michigan Fellows

The Fellows Fund for Equity (F2E) is a grant for newly licensed Black, Hispanic, Native American (and other individuals from underrepresented groups) architects who are actively practicing architecture.

The grant is intended to help reduce their remaining student debt and/or as reimbursement for expenses associated with the licensing exams, while at the same time, awarding performance, creativity and perseverance.

The fund was adopted by the Michigan AIA (American Institute of Architects) College of Fellows with collective understanding of its broad intent: to help diversify the profession by opening up opportunities through interaction with Michigan AIA Fellows and local AIA Chapters.

Michigan’s AIA Fellows recognize the persistence and determination necessary to become a licensed architect, and that licensure is fundamental to becoming a leader in the profession.

In addition to monetary assistance, this one-time grant includes mentorship with a state of Michigan-based member of the AIA College of Fellows.

Award: $4,000, plus one year mentorship. Award applications and materials are due via email by September 15 of the award year.

Download the Fellows Fund for Equity Grant Application

For more information, contact:
Elisabeth Knibbe, FAIA, Chair
Fellows Fund for Equity (F2E) Grant Committee

Phone

734 .516.9230

Email

eknibbe@knibbe.com

To Apply

Eligibility

Revisiting the specific and broadest intentions of the grant:

All candidates must be willing to help create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive architectural profession in the state of Michigan.*
All candidates must be a resident of the State of Michigan
All candidates must have received their first architectural license from the State of Michigan no earlier than two years prior to the due date of the application grant. (Applicants may apply as candidates for the grant two years in a row but are only eligible for a single grant.)
All candidates must be working for an architect in Michigan (including self-employed), or for a governmental entity or non-profit in a position that benefits from architectural training.
All candidates must have student debt.

*In addition to Black, Hispanic and Native American persons, eligibility includes candidates from underrepresented (in architecture) ethnicities, those who are differently able, and those who have overcome substantial life challenges – so that the grant helps create a profession that better reflects and serves our complex and ever-evolving society.

Complete the application form, downloaded from the Michigan Architectural Foundation website. Download the Fellows Fund for Equity (F2E) Grant Application.

Selection Requirements

The number of eligibility categories the candidate meets.
Evidence of leadership potential.

Application Requirements

Proof of first licensure from the State of Michigan dated within two years of the grant application due date.
Two reference letters from individuals familiar with your accomplishments. One of the reference letters must be from an AIA Michigan architect.
A personal statement with the following:
- The candidate’s interest, experience, and plans related to architecture.
- A statement describing the leadership, design, and or community accomplishments of the candidate.
- An outline of the candidate’s extracurricular and public service activities.
- Proof of student debt
- Refer to the grant application for additional required information including the submission deadline.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Those interested in applying must download and complete the Fellows Fund for Equity Grant application.

The award application and materials are due via email by September 15 of the award year.

Submit completed grant applications as a PDF via email to: Elisabeth Knibbe, FAIA, Chair, Fellows Fund for Equity Grant Committee, eknibbe@knibbe.com.

Selection Process

The Michigan Architectural Foundation has the sole authority for granting the awards.
The award recipient will be selected by a jury of AIA members, NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects) members and prior award recipients.
The award recipient is selected on the basis of obstacles overcome, community involvement, demonstrated leadership and financial debt.
All selections are considered final. All applications and attachments become the property of the MAF.
Award funds are for student debt reduction, and to reimburse for the costs of licensure testing and test study costs only.
The Award will be announced in the fall of the award year.

The Michigan Architectural Foundation (MAF) is responsible for administering this grant. MAF is a 501c3 organization that is dedicated to advancing awareness of how architecture enriches life. Helping to create a more diverse and inclusive profession supports the MAF mission.