MAF is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the Education Awareness Grants. The Michigan Architectural Foundation Education Awareness Grants provide support to projects and programs that engage and promote awareness of architecture through the education of K-12 students in Michigan.
The grants help to encourage the education and benefits of architecture to society. To be considered, all projects must align with MAF’s mission of advancing awareness of how architecture enriches life.
MAF’s 2026 Education Awareness Grantees:
Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation (BHCDC) (Benton Harbor, MI)
BHCDC’s project “Learning to Speak Architecture: Michigan Youth Urban Sketch Program” introduces youth to architecture through sketching real environments. Multiple “Drawing in Place” guided youth sessions are planned for the year and plan to engage about 70-100 K-12 students. The grant will help support the launch of a new website and the creation of an online education extension.
Ferndale Public Schools (Ferndale, MI)
The grant will support the design and facilitation of the Ferndale Architecture Awareness Design Incubator, led by Partnerships for Authentic Learning and Leadership. It will allow for a three-session professional learning experience for 10 educators, who will redesign traditional curriculum and implement design thinking and project-based learning. The restructure will engage about 1,000 students in architecture-centered learning.
NOMA (National Association of Minority Architects) “Project Pipeline” (Detroit and Kalamazoo, MI)
Funds from the grant will help to facilitate Project Pipeline camps, where students aged 12-18 can experience and learn about the profession of architecture. The camps will take place in Detroit and Kalamazoo from July 27 – 31 and will provide 80-90 underserved students with access for free. The program also includes post-camp engagement with KRESA Lab and a Detroit Month of Design Exhibition.
Baldwin Public Library (Birmingham, MI)
The grant will be used to provide a 13-inch iPad Pro for the Open Digital Studio within the Idea Lab, which functions as a self-directed design environment for exploring architectural thinking. The funds will also be used to support “Structural Fundamentals: Basics of Joinery”, which will introduce students to the essential principles of material strength and structural integrity through non-powered woodworking tools.
MAF Education Awareness Grant awards up to $15,000 are available to a single recipient or multiple recipients throughout Michigan each year. Grants are awarded once annually and applications close April 1 of the award year. Applicants must be 501c3 organizations.
Visit here for more information, including grant criteria and how to apply.