The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Local Initiative Fund was set up in 2011 - with a budget of £8,000 - to encourage and support the promotion of good architecture around the country. The initiative has been so successful - with demand far exceeding expectations - that in 2012 the Fund will be increased to £85,000.
The Local Initiative Fund is open to branches and societies affiliated to the RIBA and the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW). Small grants are available for projects, activities and capital expenditure that support the RIBA's stated purpose to champion better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and its members.
In 2011 the Local Initiative Fund supported 16 projects, including:
Birmingham Architecture Association: Walking Architecture app - a searchable archive of buildings and tours from across Birmingham including historic, contemporary or conceptual architecture
Buckingham Society of Architects: The Sir George Gilbert Scott 200th Anniversary exhibition in the exercise yard of Buckingham Old Gaol. Featuring prints from the renowned RIBA drawings collection, including a selection of buildings from the local area.
"2011 saw some very successful events delivered by RIBA regions and branches and supported by the RIBA's Local Initiative Fund," commented William Hawkins, RIBA Assistant Director Nations and Regions. "The RIBA is delighted to be able to ensure that some fantastic architecture events will happen up and down the country in 2012. We urge branches to start submitting their ideas."