The Giving Tree

Foundation and government support for architecture and design took a hit two years ago, but it now appears to be recovering. Private organizations like the Graham Foundation, as well as federal agencies such as the National Endowment for the Arts, continue to champion architecture and design in new and exciting ways. Through grants and other financial support, these groups play a key role in stimulating creative ideas in the built environment.

ROCKERFELLER FOUNDATION
New York City
www.rockerfellerfoundation.org

By funding projects in developing countries, making large-scale efforts to rebuild New Orleans, and advocating for creative spaces and sustainability in New York City, the foundation supports architecture and urbanism
on many scales.

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
Washington, D.C.
www.nea.gov

Last year, this federal agency hugely increased its funding for architecture and urbanism, thanks in large part to Chairman Rocco Landesman’s support of the Mayor’s Institute on City Design 25th Anniversary Initiative.

HEINZ ENDOWMENTS
Pittsburgh
www.heinz.org

The foundation has been incredibly supportive of green-building initiatives. Its ongoing partnership with the Green Building Alliance highlights its goal of transforming the construction industry into a model for sustainability.

GRAHAM FOUNDATION
Chicago
www.grahamfoundation.org

This foundation exclusively gives to projects related to architecture, urbanism, and design. Funding individual and group research, publications, events, and exhibitions, the group aims to foster a broad
range of ideas about architecture’s role in the arts, culture, and society.

SIX MORE IMPORTANT FOUNDATIONS

KRESGE FOUNDATION
Troy, Michigan
www.kresge.org

FORD FOUNDATION
New York City
www.fordfoundation.org

ANDREW W. MELLON FOUNDATION
New York City
www.mellon.org

METLIFE FOUNDATION
New York City
www.metlife.org

PAUL GETTY TRUST
Los Angeles
www.getty.edu

THE WILLIAM PENN FOUNDATION
Philadelphia
www.williampennfoundation.org