ArchiTypes Winter 2026 – The AIA Ohio Foundation: Strengthening the Profession Through Financial Support

Anyone who’s spent time around AIA Ohio over the past several decades has likely heard of the AIA Ohio Foundation. But how well do you really know what the Foundation does? Its impact may be broader—and deeper—than you realize.

Now in its 58th year, the AIA Ohio Foundation has supported the architectural profession since its earliest days. The organization is perhaps best known for awarding scholarships to architecture students across Ohio—an effort that remains central to its mission. But scholarships are only part of the story.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Foundation provides financial support to students, members, and the broader architectural community in four important ways.

AIAS Grants
While individual scholarships make a meaningful difference, the Foundation also invests in student organizations. Funding for AIAS chapters at each of Ohio’s five accredited architecture programs supports hundreds of students in developing leadership skills, professional engagement, and career readiness. These grants help accelerate students’ professional growth well before they enter practice.

Chapter Grants
Recently restored after a several-year hiatus, the AIA Ohio Foundation Chapter Grants program offers seed funding to AIA members and Ohio AIA chapters. These grants are designed to spark new programming that supports K–12 students, AIA members, and local chapters. By encouraging innovation and outreach, the program helps create new opportunities across Ohio’s architectural community.

Legacy Grant Program
The AIA Ohio Foundation Legacy Grant Program is the organization’s newest program to make funding available to a larger number of individuals.  Through the creation of personal scholarships or grant programs managed by the Foundation, the Legacy Grants permit additional scholarships to be made available to a wider group of students.  Funded by firms, individuals, and special interest groups, these scholarships provide opportunities to target specific needs.

Student Design Awards
Formerly administered by AIA Ohio, the Student Design Awards program is now a program of the AIA Ohio Foundation. This program celebrates excellence in architectural education by recognizing outstanding student work. Beyond recognition, the awards provide critical financial support at a pivotal moment in students’ academic journeys—support that can often make the difference between continuing in a design program or stepping away.

While student scholarships remain at the heart of the AIA Ohio Foundation’s mission, the organization has expanded its programs to broaden its impact. Together, these initiatives strengthen educational pathways, support professional development, and help ensure that students can continue their journey toward practice—benefiting the profession and the community as a whole. These programs are not the only function of the Foundation.  The organization also works with local chapters to assist them in managing local funds earmarked in support of student needs or funding.

The AIA Ohio Foundation Board of Trustees is composed of AIA Ohio members who work together to elevate the work of the AIA.  Continued support of the Foundation’s work is necessary for the organization to fund these programs and student scholarships.  Your support is welcomed.  If you would like to contribute to the Foundation, please visit the Foundation’s contribution page for more information.