AIA Columbus ENGAGE Grants
To support our members and advance our mission, AIA Columbus is pleased to announce the ENGAGE Professional Development Grants. These grants are designed to invest in the growth of our membership by supporting participation in AIA sponsored conferences, helping members develop the skills, networks, and leadership capacity needed to lead the profession—and the organization—now and into the future.
The ENGAGE Grant advances AIA Columbus’s strategic goal of member engagement. As an organization committed to nurturing professional growth, AIA Columbus seeks to support members at all career stages, including early-career professionals, in their professional and leadership development journeys.
Who is Eligible
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a current AIA Columbus member (AIA or Assoc. AIA)
- Apply to attend an AIA conference
- Submit a completed application
Committee Chairs are encouraged to apply. Current AIA Columbus Board members are not eligible.
What the Grant Covers
Grant awards may be used to cover one of the following:
- Conference registration only
- Conference registration and lodging
- Conference registration, lodging, and travel
Please note: Grant funds do not cover meals, personal tours, or incidental expenses.
2026 Grant Schedule
- March 17, 2026 | Submissions portal opens
- April 17, 2026 by 5 PM | Submission portal closes
- Early May | Grant Recipients will be notified
2026 Eligible Conferences
Grants will be awarded to AIA Columbus members to attend AIA sponsored conferences in 2026, including, but not limited to:
- AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA26)
June 10–13, 2026 | San Diego, CA - CRAN Symposium
September 23–26, 2026 | San Antonio, TX - AIA Women’s Leadership Summit 2026
November 1–3, 2026 | Kansas City, MO
Two dedicated grants are available - AIA AAH / ACHA Summer Leadership Summit
July 17-19, 2026 | Minneapolis, MN - AIA Ohio Conference
November 12-13, 2026 | Columbus, OH - AIA Business Academy
June – October, 2026 | in-person + virtual sessions - Official AIA Conferences or Educational Series
How to Apply
Grant applications must be submitted electronically and include the following:
- A narrative statement (300–500 words)
- Describe why you wish to attend the conference and how it will support your professional and leadership development
- Name of the conference
- Conference dates
- A budget outline
- Deadline is 5:00 PM, Friday, April 17, 2026
- Award recipients will be notified in early May
Submissions will be reviewed by a jury of board members