As an AIA member, I am relieved to see the new AIA dues invoice form. Finally--an easy-to-understand form with all the information about my dues on one page. I look forward to not wasting billable time trying to figure out how to compute my membership fees for a professional organization I believe in.

As chairman of the American Architectural Foundation Board of Regents, however, I am less delighted that the new format no longer allows you to contribute to the AAF or your local architecture foundation when you renew your AIA membership. The AIA dues invoice you will receive next month completely eliminates the AAF as a contribution option.

In the recent past when making a contribution to the American Architectural Foundation was simple, AIA members supported us at levels exceeding $400,000. These contributions provided necessary funds for scholarships for minority/disadvantaged students and general operating support. A few years ago, the AIA changed the invoices, making support of the AAF less simple, and since then support from AIA members at invoice time has fallen to approximately $50,000 per year.

Undiminished efforts
Even though the support of individual AIA members has decreased substantially with the changes in the AIA invoicing system, the AAF has not diminished its efforts to enhance the public's understanding of the importance of architecture in daily life. We continue to provide valuable tools—television documentaries, curriculum support materials, exhibitions, grants—which encourage your clients and neighbors to get involved in the design process. The public is using these materials! We are seeing an increase in awareness of the built environment and receive many requests for information. Quite often, we put these people in touch with their local AIA components.

While we are fortunate to receive a substantial portion of our annual operating income from the general public, corporations, and foundations, the contributions we receive from the architectural profession are as valuable. They reassure "outside" funders that we are credible and that we represent your interests to the general public.

Your contribution to the American Architectural Foundation broadens the discussion about architecture and its impact on everyday life and helps educate the next generation of practitioners. Visit our Web site, www.archfoundation.org, or phone Melissa Houghton, 202-626-7514, for more information about what your contribution to the AAF can do. You have supported us generously in the past. Please continue to do so.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.