If you’re 73 or older and need to take a required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA this year, there’s a powerful way to make an impact: a tax-deductible gift to the California Architectural Foundation (CAF). Your donation can count toward your RMD, be made tax-free, and help shape the future of architecture in California.
With the generous support of AIA California, CAF underwent a major revitalization in 2023. Since then, the Foundation has expanded its programs and scholarships that foster excellence in architecture and open doors for emerging talent.
Architecture by the Book, CAF’s K–12 education program, brings volunteer architects into classrooms to introduce students to architecture for the first time. For many children, this is the moment they imagine themselves as future architects.
Program volunteer and California State Architect Ida Clair, FAIA, shares: “With each lesson I’ve led, I am consistently surprised at the untapped talent among girls of all ages. Often, they don’t know what an architect does, but after hearing our stories, learning about women in architecture, and getting to create something themselves, I witness the spark of a future architect take hold.”
CAF also launched capX, the California Architectural Practice Experience program, connecting students and emerging professionals with architecture firms for internships and job-shadowing opportunities. In its first year, capX matched 86 students with 23 participating firms. Participant Sharon Lopez notes: “While I was in school, I didn’t fully understand how internships worked. Programs like capX bridge these gaps, helping students from all backgrounds access opportunities they might not have had otherwise.”
CAF currently offers four scholarship programs supporting:
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Community college students transferring into architecture programs
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Students focused on healthcare design
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Emerging professionals working toward architectural licensure
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Students entering NAAB-accredited architecture schools
By making a gift to CAF—whether a one-time donation or a Legacy Gift—you can help sustain these efforts and ensure students and emerging professionals continue to receive mentorship, scholarships, and opportunities that prepare them for meaningful careers in architecture.
Donate Now to make your 2025 RMD work for the next generation of architects!
And, stay connected with CAF and its programs by subscribing to our quarterly e-newsletter, CAF Corner: Subscribe here.
