Two major programs of the American Architectural Foundation (AAF) have due dates of October 5: proposals for the Accent on Architecture Grants program and nominations for the Keystone Award honoring exemplary leaders who help shape the environment.

The AAF Accent on Architecture Grants program is seeking proposals for local projects that result in engagement among the American public, decision-makers, and design professionals. Projects should promote an increased awareness, appreciation, and understanding of how the public's involvement in the design process can enhance the quality of life in a community.

The AAF offers matching grants of up to $3,000 for innovative public outreach programs. These grants are available to organizations including, but not limited to: community design centers, architecture foundations, design organizations, civic organizations, and public television stations. Individuals are not eligible. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with other organizations. Grant funds must be spent within one year of the date of the grant notification. These grants are made possible with the support of CNA Insurance Companies/Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc.

Applications must be received by October 5 for consideration in the 2002 grant cycle. Mail the completed application and five copies to: Melissa Houghton, The American Architectural Foundation, 1799 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20006-5292.

For more information, or an application, please call 202-626-7514.

The AAF Keystone Award honors an individual for exemplary leadership that advances the Foundation's vision of a society that participates in shaping its environment through an understanding of the power of architecture to enrich lives and transform communities. Past recipients of the AAF Keystone Award are the Honorable Richard M. Daley, mayor of Chicago (1999), and Rick Lowe, founding director of Project Row Houses in Houston (2000). The next Keystone Award will be presented in Washington, D.C., in March 2002.

The Keystone Award recognizes and encourages individual leadership that:
1. Results in citizen participation in the design process to shape communities
2. Fosters communication with key decision makers about how design issues affect a community's quality of life.

The Keystone Award honors a person who has consistently or dramatically demonstrated the type of leadership described above. The recipient's contributions to the advancement of public involvement in the design process should be significant and innovative. Efforts to improve his or her community's future should reveal a personal commitment beyond financial assistance. Patrons could qualify for this award, as may other individuals including, but not limited to, advocates, critics, activists, clients, representatives of government, or education leaders.

Current members of the AAF Board of Regents, the AIA Board of Directors, and the Keystone Award Selection Committee, or relatives of the above, are ineligible to receive the award. A period of two years must lapse following service on these bodies before a former member becomes eligible. Design professionals are ineligible, as are employees, retirees, or relatives of employees of the AAF.

Nominations for the AAF Keystone Award may be submitted by any person having sufficient knowledge of the nominee's personal qualifications. Complete submissions must arrive in the office of the AAF no later than October 5 and be addressed to Keystone Award Selection Committee, The American Architectural Foundation, 1799 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20006-5292.

Each nomination should present the background and justification for consideration of the nominee, clearly citing the nominee's qualifications to receive the award. The submission shall identify the nominee and nominator as requested. Nominators and references are requested not to contact potential nominees for information about their qualifications or for permission to place their names in nomination.

The recipient of the AAF Keystone Award will be announced in November 2001. The Keystone Award will be presented at the Accent on Architecture Gala in Washington, D.C., in March 2002.

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