The American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is a professional membership organization and 501(c)(6) business league headquartered in Washington, DC. Founded in 1857, AIA represents over 100,000 members across 20,000+ architecture firms and 200+ chapters globally. As the largest design organization in the world, AIA operates as a professional society and resource for architects and design professionals.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$230.3M
+17.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$788K
-31.1% YoY
Grant Count
34
+30.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$23K
-47.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Vision: Drive positive change through the power of design and focused activism.
Mission: AIA inspires and empowers architects to improve society and transform the world.
The organization operates through several primary program areas:
Professional Development: AIA offers continuing education services (CES) to help members meet their continuing education requirements and provides access to specialized information through registered CES providers. The organization maintains Knowledge Communities that provide members with in-depth information, services, and resources for specific areas of architectural practice.
Member Services: AIA provides component relations, local networking activities, and educational seminars to support its membership base.
Grantmaking
AIA administers grant programs through its philanthropic activities:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
AIA operates globally across 42 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, China, and India. The organization maintains a significant presence in the United States through its national headquarters and state/regional chapters, including councils in Washington and Oregon.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Revenue: $70,085,469
- Expenses: $68,600,000
- Total Assets: $230,000,000
- Total Liabilities: $68,000,000
Staffing: The organization employs approximately 227-575 staff members across its operations.
Tax Status: Tax-exempt since January 1939 (EIN: 53-0025930). Designated as a 501(c)(6) organization; donations are not tax-deductible.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $230,344,971 | $196,886,874 | $191,096,318 |
| Revenue | $70,085,469 | $68,120,174 | $35,540,970 |
| Expenses | $68,575,808 | $66,553,952 | $63,811,685 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $13,922,014 | $15,022,073 | $-15,259,856 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
184 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Stephen Ayers - Principal Officer
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIMBERLY DOWDELL | PRESIDENT | 50 | $85,000 |
| EVELYN LEE | PRESIDENT-ELECT | 10 | $50,000 |
| HEATHER PHILIP-O'NEAL | TREASURER | 10 | — |
| BRITT LINDBERG | SECRETARY | 10 | — |
| KEVIN HOLLAND | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| ILLYA AZAROFF | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| LATOYA KAMDANG | AT-LARGE DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| LAURA LESNIEWSKI | STRATEGIC COUNCIL AT-LARGE | 5 | — |
| KOREY WHITE | STRATEGIC COUNCIL AT-LARGE | 5 | — |
| ANNE HICKS HARNEY | STRATEGIC COUNCIL AT-LARGE | 5 | — |
| CAROLE WEDGE | APPOINTED DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| WINSTON YEO | APPOINTED DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| TANNIA CHAVEZ | ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| COLT BROCK | STUDENT DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| AMBER LOMBARDO | CACE DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| LAKISHA ANN WOODS CAE | EVP/CEO | 37.5 | $1,614,794 |
| TERRI STEWART | CHIEF FINANCE & ADMIN. OFFICER | 37.5 | $444,784 |
| KEVIN WATKINS | SR. VP, MEMBER & COMP. ENGAGEMENT | 37.5 | $337,031 |
| ANDREW FLANK | SVP, SALES, EVENTS & EXHIBITS | 37.5 | $471,925 |
| ROBERT CLAYBORNE | SVP, KNOWLEDGE & PRACTICE | 37.5 | $324,139 |
| MARY SCHNEIDER | CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER | 37.5 | $363,613 |
| KIERSTEN FOX THORNTON | CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER | 37.5 | $373,887 |
| PRAVEEN PATEL | SR. VICE PRESIDENT, TECHNOLOGY | 37.5 | $309,091 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
AIA announced recipients for the 2026 Associates Award
AIA announces recipients for the 2026 Associates AwardFive projects awarded in the 2026 Arnold W. Brunner Grant for Architectural Research
Five Projects Awarded in 2026 Arnold W. Brunner Grant for Architectural\AIA announced a $4 million matching grant to the Architects Foundation for renewal and preservation initiatives
AIA Announces $4 Million Matching Grant to the Architects ...AIA awarded research grants to advance climate action
AIA awards research grants to advance climate action | The American InstituteAIA College of Fellows awarded a grant for air-purifying building facade research
Five Projects Awarded in 2026 Arnold W. Brunner Grant for Architectural\Related Funders
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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