Now known as the Public Awareness Funding program, the OAA has an initiative aimed at supporting those who promote public appreciation of architecture and the allied arts and sciences, as outlined in the Architects Act.

Twice a year, the Communications and Public Education Committee (CPEC) reviews submissions from individuals and groups seeking financial sponsorship for programs or events that raise awareness about the importance of architecture. Particularly large requests are shared with the OAA’s governing Council for consideration.

This year, the program received a record number of funding requests. See below for those recipients selected for funding. The next deadlines for Public Awareness Sponsorship are in March and September 2025. Learn more here about eligibility and how to apply.

January 2024

• Architectural Conservancy of Ontario Hamilton Region’s Doors Open Hamilton;
• Heritage Ottawa’s 2024 Walking Tour Season;
• Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture’s Archi-North Summer Camp;
• Muslims in Public Spaces’ Paradise City: Islamic Gardens;
• RAW Design Inc.’s RAW Architecture and Design Summer Camp, “Diversity in Design;’
• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)’s Quality in Canada’s Built Environment Roadmaps to Equity, Social Value, and Environmental Sustainability: Living Atlas of Quality;
• Winter Stations;
• No.9 Contemporary Art & the Environment’s Imagining My Sustainable Community; and
• Urban Minds’ 2024 1UP Toronto Conference.

August 2024

• Urban Minds’ 1UP School Chapters;
• Architectural Conservancy Ontario’s ACO Heritage Awards;
• Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture’s Archi-North Workshops;
• Actual Media’s Brownie Awards;
• Canadian Architecture Students Association (CASA)’s Canadian Architectural Forums on Education (CAFÉ): The Right to Equal and Accessible Housing;
• John MacDonald Architect Inc.’s Kids Fun with Architecture! community festival and event booth;
• OpenBuilding.ca’s TEUI v3;
• TimberFever Design Build Competition; and
• Ottawa Architecture Foundation (OAF)’s architectural and bike tours.