Diane and Ben Lee Design Education Fund

The Diane and Ben Lee Design Education Fund provides annual grants of up to $2,500 to schools, teachers, groups or individuals actively pursuing design curriculum in their school or educational entity that directly benefits New Jersey K-12 students. Design education develops critical problem-solving skills and includes programs related to fields such as art, architecture, interior design, graphic design, product design, set design, fashion design or illustration.

Apply now – Deadline is Tuesday May 12, 2026 at 5PM – Click here to apply

Rules and Guidelines

1. Please complete the application below and click the “submit” button no later than TUESDAY MAY 12, 2026 at 5PM ET.
2. Up to $2,500 in grants will be awarded this year. The grant may be awarded to a single submission or divided among multiple submissions at the discretion of the selection committee. Groups or individuals may apply.
3. Applicants must show how their program or proposal will directly benefit design education for New Jersey K–12 students.
4. Applicants are encouraged to be creative in their submissions. Include images, videos, multimedia files, etc. to help explain your program or proposal.
5. Submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee appointed by AIA Architects League of Northern New Jersey.
6. Finalists must make themselves available for a Zoom call/interview with the selection committee prior to final selection.
7. This fund is managed by AIA Architects League of Northern New Jersey. American Institute of Architects (AIA) components and sections are not eligible to apply for this grant.
8. Groups or individuals are not eligible to receive grants in consecutive years from the Diane and Ben Lee Design Education Fund.
9. Applications are due TUESDAY MAY 12, 2026 at 5PM ET. All applications must be submitted electronically. You may return and edit your online application prior to the deadline, but remember to submit the application when completed.
10. Grant recipients will be announced by AIA Architects League of Northern New Jersey on THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2026 at 6PM at the ALNNJ Member Meeting. Grant recipients will be notified in advance and invited to attend. Awards will be made available after the announcement.
11. All answers on this form are required unless noted otherwise.
12. For questions, contact ALNNJ Scholarships Committee: [email protected]