As we approach the end of the year, we naturally reflect on what happened to support the MAF vision.
From MAF grants for programming that makes the lives of Michigan residents better through architecture, and for preservation projects that help strengthen our communities and preserve our architectural history; scholarships that help support the next generation of architectural talent; free architecture-based educational programs; and more, none of it would have been possible without the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and supporters. And there’s more to come in the New Year.
Thanks to the many supporters we awarded $44,000 in scholarships in 2024. Our scholarship program continues to grow and provide much needed support to young aspiring architects. For the first time, we awarded $10,000 each to the MAF Presidents and Tincknell scholarship winners.
Next year, MAF will offer a new scholarship award, established by Diekema Hamann Architecture + Engineering and supported by gifts from the firm, individuals, and other companies, and for Norm Hamann Jr. to memorialize his father, Norman Hamann, Sr. A scholarship of $2,000 will be awarded in 2025.
This month, longtime MAF and preservation supporter, Park Smith made a significant contribution to support the growth of the Evans Graham Preservation award. Park’s continued generosity is very much appreciated, and we thank him and his wife Lynne for advancing our mission. Earlier this year the Evans Graham Historic Preservation Award was made for $20,000 to assist in stabilizing and weatherproofing the historic Hotel Casa Blanca in Idlewild, Michigan, and bring it to white-box condition to accommodate the restored structure’s fit-out, interior finishes, and equipment. (find out more about the Hotel Casa Blanca).
MAF’ s Damian Farrell Architecture Awareness Grants provide financial assistance to organizations and individuals that organize, sponsor, and promote events, lectures, publications, and experiences that increase awareness of architecture. In 2024, awards were made to The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Project Pipeline Architecture Camp, Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy, AIA Huron Valley and AIA Grand Rapids. These grants promote how architecture enriches our lives throughout the State of Michigan. (find out more about each grant).
The awards are granted twice per year; apply by Dec. 31 to be considered for the first round of grants in 2025.
As a commitment to supporting K12 education about architecture, MAF is also investing in more in-depth resources on our website. Look for an announcement in early 2025!
Finally, MAF is searching for a new Communications Coordinator. If you are a marketing professional with experience in writing content, social media, website management, storytelling, and other marketing tasks; and are passionate about Michigan architecture and how architecture enriches life, click here to learn more about the role.
Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday and we look forward to continuing our adventure in 2025!
Chuck
Charles Lewis, AIA 2024-2025 MAF President