Each year, the Michigan Architectural Foundation supports programs and initiatives which advance awareness of how architecture enriches lives. Though our grants, student scholarships, and free architecture-related programming, MAF educates a future generation of architecture advocates; funds historic architectural preservation projects that benefit our communities; and connects people of all ages to free architectural resources and education.
None of it would be possible without the contributions of MAF’s donors. For more than 50 years, and through the support of our generous donors, MAF has been able to expand the programs that make our lives better through architecture.
As 2020 closes out, please consider making a year-end contribution to the Michigan Architectural Foundation. MAF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, and your gift is tax deductible. Click here to access MAF’s Donate Now form.
Did you know that your gift to MAF supports programs like these?
MAF Architecture Awareness Grants, which help fund activities and programs that educate us, enrich our experiences, and create meaningful connections with architecture. Grants have been awarded for lectures, public events, films, educational initiatives, publications, exhibits, and more. In 2020, many of MAF’s Architecture Awareness Grant recipients successfully took their programs virtual. Their resourcefulness was instrumental in creatively connecting people with architecture in the midst of a challenging year – including the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Detroit’s Project Pipeline Camp (read the story in this newsletter).
Through MAF’s Evans Graham Preservation Grants, nearly two dozen historic preservation and restoration projects to date have been given new life and positively contributed to Michigan communities – projects like 2020 grant winner Starkweather Chapel, the 1849 King House in Good Hart (once part of an Odawa Indian fishing village), and Mackinac Island’s Biddle House, the project that catalyzed MAF’s beginnings. Read more about the projects.
MAF’s Architecture Student Scholarships have helped many talented and ambitious students enrolled in Michigan’s college and university architecture programs reach their academic and future career goals. MAF offers a total of ten academic scholarships annually, based on criteria including community involvement, financial need, and strength of the student’s design portfolio. View all of the scholarships and meet MAF’s 2020 scholarship recipients here, and read about the founders of the AIA Michigan President’s Scholarship.
MAF’s Free Educational Resources that introduce children to architecture and the built environment. MAF’s Architecture it’s Elementary and ArchiTreks programs feature hands-on interactive STEAM-based activities that help children learn observation, reasoning, and critical thinking skills, and to understand order and think visually. The Build Imagination Book Collection (supported through MAF’s Dumke Fund, along with the 100 Essential Books Collection for adults) piques children’s interest in design, construction, travel, history, and architecture. Books can be borrowed through MeLCat, Michigan’s free statewide interlibrary loan system.
The MAF + AIA Michigan Summer Internship Bridge Grants Program helped to fill the pandemic-related gap in available architectural internships in Michigan this past summer. Student interns participated in the mostly-remote program and enjoyed the educational, experience, and career-boosting opportunities normally provided through the traditional internship experience. The program was jointly sponsored and funded by MAF and AIA Michigan, along with additional donor support.
How Do I Make My Donation to MAF?
You can make your donation electronically by using our Donate Now form,* located on MAF’s website, or by mailing your check to: Michigan Architectural Foundation. Please indicate to which fund you would like to designate your gift. Whatever your choice, know that your support will positively influence Michigan architecture, and the impact of architecture on the quality of our lives. Visit our website for more information, and MAF’s mailing address.
MAF’s Donor Wall lists the individuals, corporations and non-profits that have invested in MAF. On behalf of MAF and all of those who have benefitted from this generosity, we thank you. Should you choose to make a year-end contribution to MAF, we look forward to adding your name to our Donor Wall!
The Michigan Architectural Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to connecting the people of Michigan with architecture and its impact on our lives. MAF’s tax ID# (EIN) is 38-1698501.
*Please note, the Donate Now feature is not compatible with all mobile devices. If you experience any concerns, please open this page on a desktop or laptop computer.