MAF Women in Architecture (WIA) Fund 2026/2027 Grant Application

Supporting the ADVANCEMENT of women in the profession of architecture.

Visit the Minnesota Architectural Foundation (MAF) Women in Architecture Fund website for complete details related to eligibility, selection and notification, timeframe and reporting, funds availability and restrictions, and more.
1.CONTACT INFORMATION(Required.)
2.PROPOSAL TITLE (10 words max)(Required.)
3.PROPOSAL SUMMARY (150 words max)
Provide a brief overview of your proposed initiative. Describe what you intend to accomplish, who will benefit, and how the initiative will advance women in architecture.
(Required.)
4.POPULATION SERVED (75 words max)
Identify the primary population your initiative will serve. Examples may include school-aged girls exploring architecture, architecture students, emerging professionals, women architects, or women pursuing leadership positions.
(Required.)
5.GEOGRAPHIC AREA SERVED (50 words max)
Identify the geographic area your initiative will serve, such as a specific community, region, or the State of Minnesota. If your initiative extends beyond Minnesota, explain its connection to advancing women in architecture within the state.
(Required.)
6.DOLLAR AMOUNT REQUESTED
There is $10,000 available for distribution every other year. The selection committee may choose to divide up the amount to multiple applicants or give the whole amount to one applicant.
(Required.)
7.TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET(Required.)
8.PROPOSED USE OF GRANT FUNDS (150 max words)
Describe how the requested grant funds will be used. Identify major expenses and explain how they directly support the proposed initiative. Please be specific on timeline.
(Required.)
PROPOSAL NARRATIVE
9.WHY DOES YOUR PROPOSAL MATTER? (150 words max)
Describe the specific need, challenge, or opportunity your proposal addresses. Explain why this issue is important to women in architecture and how your initiative responds to an existing gap or unmet need.
(Required.)
10.HOW WILL YOUR PROPOSAL ADVANCE WOMEN IN ARCHITECTURE? (150 words max)
Describe your proposed approach and how it will create meaningful opportunities for women in architecture. Identify the anticipated benefits for participants and explain how the initiative will contribute to their education, professional development, leadership, visibility, or advancement.
(Required.)
11.HOW WILL YOU CARRY OUT YOUR PROPOSAL? (150 words max)
Describe the primary activities, implementation strategy, and anticipated timeline for your initiative. Include key milestones, the individuals or organizations responsible for implementation, and any partnerships necessary for success. Explain how the requested funding will enable you to complete the proposed activities.
(Required.)
12.WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? (150 words max)
Identify two or three specific outcomes you hope to achieve through this initiative. Describe how you will measure or document success. Examples might include participation, mentorship relationships established, educational resources developed, leadership opportunities created, or feedback from participants.
(Required.)
All eligible proposals will be reviewed by the Women In Architecture Fund Committee of the Minnesota Architectural Foundation. The 2026/2027 grant application deadline is Monday, January 4, 2027. All applicants will be notified within four weeks of the application deadline.

If you have any questions, please contact Amber Allardyce, Hon. AIAMN, Deputy Executive Director of AIA Minnesota at allardyce@aia-mn.org or (612) 767-1748.