AIGA Houston’s Community Membership Fund Program expands access to membership for the local community, including marginalized and underserved individuals or those experiencing financial hardship. Applicants must be committed to professional growth and engagement with the local creative network (e.g., enrolled full-time in graduate or undergraduate design programs or related fields of study, or be actively involved…) to be eligible to apply. A minimum of 10 memberships will be awarded for the following year (2025), unless the number of submissions is fewer, in which case we’ll select as many as qualify.
Help fund an AIGA membership for community members today. Your contribution will have both an immediate and lasting impact. It will open doors for undergraduate and graduate students to pursue their educational and professional goals, while also elevating talented individuals who may not have a formal design education but bring fresh perspectives and remarkable skills to the field. By supporting them, you’ll nurture their personal growth and strengthen the communities they serve.
An AIGA student membership active for one year is valued at $50.
An AIGA Emerging membership active for one year is valued at $150.
Funds raised during the current year will purchase AIGA memberships active for the following year.
Community members apply for the program.
Eligible community members can apply through our annual Community Membership Fund Program form.
Our goal is to award a minimum of 10 community members each year.
Any donations exceeding our goal may be rolled over to the following year’s fund or gifted to additional students.
Committee reviews applicants and awards candidates.
Candidates will be reviewed and notified by December 2.
Winners will be awarded at our annual Holiday Party.
Program Objectives
Promote Diversity and Inclusion: By extending AIGA memberships to marginalized or underserved community members, we aim to create a more diverse and representative design community.
Access to Valuable Resources: AIGA membership provides students with access to invaluable design resources, events and industry insights that can augment their education and career prospects.
Foster Creative Excellence: Supporting students during their formative years can help nurture excellence in the design field, benefiting the industry as a whole.
Audience
Community members, undergraduate and graduate students from underserved and marginalized communities or who may be experiencing financial need. Students in design programs or related fields of study.
Program Applications
Interested students may apply to be considered as a Community Membership Fund Program recipient as long as the eligibility requirements are met.
Who is Eligible
Be committed to growing professionally and engaging with the local creative network, whether it be as a student, volunteer, or independent creative.
Identify with a marginalized or underserved community or actively support diversity and inclusion in the creative industry
Aspire to a creative career (e.g., graphic design, illustration, photography, animation, writing, etc.)
Must live in Houston or the surrounding area
Deadline & How to Apply
2025 Community Membership Fund Program applications close FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH, 2025, 11:59 p.m. CT.
