Our mission and history
The goal of the Foundation is to enhance public understanding of the built environment and the processes that shape it. With understanding, the Foundation trustees believe, our community will be better equipped to enrich and preserve our physical and natural surroundings.

The Boston Society of Architects established the Foundation in 1984 as a grant-making vehicle. The Foundation made its first grant that year and has made a varying number of grants each year since. The Foundation seeks to engender in current and future generations informed commitment to sensitive, well-designed, humanistic environments.

Governance
The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is an independent corporation governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees that, in accordance with its bylaws, includes six architects (whose election or appointment is subject to confirmation by the Board of Directors of the Boston Society of Architects) and nine "public" or non-architect members elected or appointed by the Foundation's Board of Trustees. All trustees serve limited terms.

Administration
The Foundation is administered by an Executive Director whose services are purchased from the Boston Society of Architects.

Endowment
At January 1, 2008, the Foundation's endowment was valued at approximately $1,400,000. These funds are invested in a variety of income-producing and long-term growth investment instruments.