The MAF Women in Architecture Fund (WIAF) promotes equity in the architecture profession through grants that address challenges that women face over the course of their careers.
The Women in Architecture Fund supports initiatives that advance women in architecture through opportunities for professional growth, leadership, education, mentorship, and increased visibility within the profession.
The Minnesota Architectural Foundation (MAF) invites proposals that address barriers, create meaningful opportunities, and contribute to the advancement of women in architecture.
Applicants should clearly articulate the need their proposal addresses, the population it will serve, the activities they intend to undertake, and the outcomes they hope to achieve.
Eligibility
The work accomplished with the grant must directly support and impact women in the profession of architecture. Funding is available to:
- Applicants of all gender identities
- Applicants who are current AIA Minnesota members in good standing OR a student attending a NAAB-accredited architecture program located in Minnesota .
Different types of projects will be considered; proposals may be related to one or more of the following:
- Highlighting the work of women architects who are based in or who have done work in Minnesota.
- Supporting the education of community members regarding women in the profession of architecture.
- Research related to the careers or education of women in architecture.
- Proposals related to the education of girls and young women about STEAM careers, particularly if related to architecture.
- Projects that seek to address “pinch points” in women’s careers in architecture (as noted in the research conducted by Equity By Design)
- Projects that seek to implement recommendations within the AIA Guides to Equitable Practice
Criteria is reviewed and revised annually by the MAF Board of Directors.
Grant Recipient Expectations
Grant recipients are expected to share the outcomes of their work so that MAF can document the impact of its investments, celebrate recipients’ accomplishments, and extend the reach of funded initiatives.
As a condition of receiving funding, recipients agree to:
- Provide a short project summary (1-2 pages) and relevant photographs or other documentation that the MAF may use for communications, subject to appropriate permissions.
- Participate in one mutually agreed-upon opportunity to share project outcomes with the architecture community within 12 months of project completion. This may take the form of a presentation, article, webinar, or other appropriate format.
- Acknowledge MAF’s Women in Architecture Fund in relevant project communications and publications.
MAF will work with recipients to identify appropriate opportunities for sharing their work, recognizing that projects may vary in scale, format, and duration.
Selection Process
Funds Availability and Restrictions
As required by IRS rules, MAF funds cannot be used to carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation nor can funds be used to influence the outcome of any specific public election.
2026/2027 Timeline
January 4, 2027 – Deadline to apply
Late January 2027 – WIAF grant recipients announced
