The American Institute of Architects College of Fellows
2021 Component Grants
for Emerging Professionals The American Institute of Architects 1735 New York Ave NW Washington, DC 20006-5292
AIA College of Fellows Founded in 1952, the College of Fellows is composed of members of the Institute who are elevated to Fellowship by a jury of their peers. Fellowship is one of the highest honors the AIA can bestow upon a member. Elevation to Fellowship not only recognizes the achievement of the architect as an individual, but also elevates before the public and the profession those architects who have made significant contributions to architecture and to society.
Contents Overview Application Format and Jury Selection Criteria Schedule/ Deadline
5 6 9 10
3
4
Overview Through a competitive process, funding will be provided by the AIA College of Fellows to assist AIA Components in the development of programs that will enhance the work of Emerging Professionals, Young Architects and/or Associate members of the Institute. Funding may be used to enhance an specific activity of an existing Emerging Professional (EP) group, or as seed money to initiate a new program. All grants are intended to support an explicit program or activity of a local, state, or region. With the 2021 Grant Program cycle, the College of Fellows seeks submissions that reinforce the AIA 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, as well as a special focus on environmental sustainability along with social and professional inclusion and diversity. Proposals that engage emerging professionals in structured activities directed toward the physical enhancement of disadvantaged communities and neighborhoods, as well as targeted mentorship, are also encouraged. [General or on-going Component activities are not eligible for funding. Similarly, ARE preparation activities are expected to remain a focus of the AIA Component.] Proposals should address the engagement or collaboration of experienced design professionals and/or community leadership in the planned activity. One of the goals of the EP Component Grants program is to assist in making Emerging Professionals a vibrant Component element. As such, an explanation or demonstration of the sponsoring Component’s commitment and support for the proposed activity is essential. Grant funding is made directly to the proposing AIA Component only, with a maximum limit of $5,000 from the AIA College of Fellows. Travel and/or meal expenditures will not be funded, and are not to be included in the budget. Proposals with matching funds are encouraged. Submissions should be explicit and provide line items for both anticipated revenue and expenses in the budget. Recipients will be required to submit a one- or two-page report on the program (successes, lessons learned, benefits, etc.) upon completion of the program. 90% of total funding will be provided upon approval of the submission proposal by the AIA College of Fellows; 10% of grant will be provided after receipt of the requisite, final program report. Please refer questions to the attention of Muza Conforti: cof@aia.org. 5
Application Format 1. Nomination / Reference Letter • one page maximum The cover letter is to be authored and signed by the sponsoring Component Executive. 2. Executive Summary and Overview • one page maximum 3. Proposal Detail • two pages maximum To include the purpose, Amount of Grant request, expected audience, Schedule, key project participants (must be AIA Members or Associate Members). Intersperse with graphics or images as appropriate. 4. Budget • one page maximum List income & expenses in a tabular format. Separately itemize any anticipated in-kind support or matching funds (include source). No allowance for overhead or indirect costs are to be included. Provide brief narrative needed to impart clarification. 5. Summary of YAF/NAC Background/History • one page maximum Bulleted statements are preferred; interspersed with graphics or images as desired.
Jury The Awards Jury will be composed of members of the Executive Committee of the College of Fellows (COF), the Chair of the COF Regional Representatives Council, and one representative from the NAC Executive Committee and one representative of the YAF Advisory Committee. The Jury reserves the right to recommend funding support that may be less than the amount requested in the proposal submission. Final decisions regarding funding allocations for successful proposals will be at the discretion of the AIA/COF Executive Committee. 6
7
8
Selection Criteria In order to evaluate requests for component grant funding, specific attention will be given by the Jury members to: Purpose Is there clarity of purpose and need, and is the proposal consistent with the YAF and the NAC Missions? Will the grant funding strengthen the development of a local, state, or regional Chapter of the AIA? Will the program advance the professional development of Emerging Professionals? Key participants What is the significant experience and capabilities of the leadership team? What will be the engagement of other AIA Members and/or Emerging Professionals? Is there a sufficient number of Volunteers to accomplish the proposed activity? Audience/Impact Who will be benefit from this program, short-term and long-term? How? How will the program be publicized? Budget Does the submission include a detailed, line-item, listing all anticipated expenses and revenues? Is the proposed budget realistic? Does the anticipated engagement and impact warrant the expenditure? Is there local support, e.g., quantifiable inkind contributions, direct funding from a Component or other Sponsor (public and/ or private)? Is matching funding a part of the proposal? Are the participants’ fees realistic, neither too high nor too low for the value? Component Relationship/History Is this entity an established AIA Emerging Professional group with Component backing? If new, does this group have the leadership and Component support sufficient that will embrace the proposed effort in future years?
9
Schedule/Deadlines April 19 Announcement of the 2021 YA Component Grant Awards Program & Call for Submissions. June 14 Deadline for receipt of completed applications. [Submissions are to be sent to the AIA College of Fellows via email attachment to cof@aia.org] July 20 Notification of Grant Awards sent to the respective, submitting AIA Components. July 23 Deadline for written confirmation of Award Acceptance by the respective Component recipients. December 17 Due date for receipt of the Final Reports from recipients on program activity and accomplishments.
10
AIA College of Fellows
