Bruce Sekanick, FAIA, OAA, President, AIA Ohio Foundation Board of Trustees
The AIA Ohio Foundation has now been serving the members of AIA Ohio and students across the state for 56 years, since it was first chartered in 1968. Over the years, the AIA Ohio Foundation has continued its efforts to expand scholarships, add support for student groups, and create opportunities that permit AIA chapters and other groups to help advance its mission.
Earlier this month, The AIA Ohio Foundation presented the accomplishments, goals, and programs to members of the Architectural Foundation Forum. Started in 2023 to help connect foundations serving architectural programs in states or chapters, the AFF has seen growth through the sharing of programs, successes, and information in support of the architectural profession. Consisting of 501(c)(3) organizations, the AFF’s focus is on assisting foundations at all levels of development expand their programs and presence. From newly formed to established, the AFF concentrates on sharing information that is beneficial to all.
The AIA Ohio Foundation is one of several dozen architectural foundations that is both established and active. Through the work of the Trustees, the AIA Ohio Foundation has been able to gradually, but continuously, expand the scope of programs. From our initial scholarship offerings, the Foundation has added support of AIAS chapters. After several years of providing chapter or affiliated organization grants, the Foundation will institute a new grant program in 2025 that will focus the awards on key initiatives of the Foundation and the AIA. Finally, the Foundation will provide details on the new legacy scholarships that were approved earlier this year. These programs are in many ways similar to those of the other active foundations who are part of the AFF, and through our discussions, The AIA Ohio Foundation will be able to benefit from their trials, tribulations, and experiences.
For more information on The AIA Ohio Foundation, we invite you to attend the AIA Ohio Annual Meeting on November 6, 2024, where a more detailed report of the AIA Ohio Foundation’s work will be presented.