AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS COLLEGE logo

Communities by Design (CxD) - Design Assistance Programs

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS COLLEGE

Foundation Rolling (Quarterly) Community Development GrantsCommunity Services Grants
Apply Now

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Communities by Design (CxD)

Overview: A longstanding AIA program that joined the Architects Foundation in 2023. CxD provides design assistance and support to communities facing challenges and seeking transformation. The program organizes Design Assistance Teams to provide hands-on support through public participation workshops.

Geographic Scope: National (United States) - recent work in Tennessee, Vermont, and Texas

Focus Areas:

  • Community-led design and transformation

  • Climate change adaptation

  • Equitable housing

  • Community engagement

  • Citizen architect participation

  • Built environment transformation

  • Public participation processes

    • Types of Support:

  • Design Assistance Teams providing technical expertise

  • Public participation workshops

  • Community design consultation

  • Planning assistance

  • Hands-on design support

  • Pro bono design services to communities in need

    • Eligibility:

  • Communities facing design challenges

  • Projects addressing climate change, housing equity, and community development

  • Community groups, nonprofits, and municipal partners

  • Communities with limited access to design resources

    • What They Fund:

  • Volunteer architect time and expertise

  • Design assistance and consultation

  • Workshop facilitation

  • Pro bono design services

  • Travel costs for Design Assistance Teams

    • Response Model:

  • Responds to hundreds of community requests annually

  • Focuses on communities with greatest needs

  • Addresses challenges such as climate change and inequitable housing

    • Background:

  • Long-standing AIA program

  • Joined Architects Foundation in 2023

  • Demonstrates role of engaged "citizen architects" in shaping built environment

  • Expanded reach and impact through Foundation partnership

  • Emphasized during AIA24 conference with tours and panel discussions

    • Contact: Architects Foundation, Communities by Design program

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    • Communities submit requests for design assistance
    • CxD evaluates requests based on need and program focus
    • Selected communities are matched with Design Assistance Teams
    • Workshops and design collaboration processes are facilitated
    • Ongoing support through public participation and design development

    Application Type: Typically rolling/responsive to community needs rather than fixed deadline process

    Note: Specific application procedures and submission portals not detailed in source material. Contact Architects Foundation or Communities by Design directly for submission process.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    community-developmentcommunity-services

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Community Development GrantsCommunity Services Grants

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Foundation

    ABNY Foundation Grant Program

    Amount

    $10,000

    Deadline

    May 31, 2026

    Semi-annual
    Foundation

    Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    Prohousing Incentive Program Grants

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    Communities by Design (CxD)

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Rolling (Quarterly)
    Foundation

    FORWARD Puerto Rico Fund

    Amount

    $8,772,732 (distributed to date from $9,959,706.54 raised)

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Ongoing

    Ready to apply for Communities by Design (CxD) - Design Assistance Programs?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more