Nonprofits are established to address various areas of need within a society, with the impact being felt by those directly affected. From making relief materials available in disasters to providing other forms of support to vulnerable people, the activities carried out by nonprofits are somewhat unquantifiable. 

However, in this article, we shall focus on something more unique – architecture non-profits. We are discussing the non-profit efforts orchestrated by organizations within the architectural sectors. And the thing is, you don't have to belong in this professional setting before partaking in nonprofit events. 

Knowing the vision of these organizations' activities should be a good starting point. As such, without further ado, we bring you some architecture nonprofits so you can support their cause as we proceed.

1. 400 Forward

There is a bit of history with naming this particular architecture non-profit. It was created and named after the 400th African-American woman who obtained her license to practice as an architect in the US in 2017. The brain behind this creation is Tiffany Brown, a revered architectural designer with a wealth of experience in project management.

400 Forward facilitates workshops and summer camps to train and equip young girls with architectural knowledge. They also provide financial support and scholarship opportunities to women practicing architecture. 

The group's mentorship scheme connects girls to mentors across different states. It must be added that 400 Forward is mainly focused on black/African-American girls and women.

2. ArchiteXX

ArchiteXX was established to promote gender equity, focusing on helping participants become agents of change. It is particularly committed to teaching women and girls about the basics of architecture.

Beyond this, ArchiteXX also assists its beneficiaries to scale through the operational ladder while practicing.

Those who subscribe to ArchiteXX have access to resources, mentorship sessions, writing support groups, etc. Occasionally, those connected to the group come together to share ideas on trending issues. The group is known to encourage and advance the course for inclusion as quality, and informative content is shared.

While being growth-oriented and committed to human development, ArchiteXX has not neglected other aspects of life. The group has lent its voice to the cause of social justice and other social welfare concerns. 

3. Beyond the Built Environment

Beyond the Built Environment was established in 2018, and it leverages architecture to push the cause for equity in diverse environments. The central objective of this body is to encourage individuals to participate as stakeholders in the creation of an equitable environment.

No one is left out in this, as Beyond the Built Environment extends partnerships to young folks in grade school and also professionals.

Beyond the Built Environment educates people generally – whether formally or informally – as they attempt to bridge the inequity gap using architecture. Its activities revolve around the "triple E, C" strategy formulated to Engage, Elevate, Educate, and Collaborate (with) the public. 

More notably, this organization makes it a point of duty to celebrate professionals who have contributed in different ways to architecture. This is the motive behind bringing up events like the "Say it Loud" camp, "See it Loud" camp, documentaries, exhibitions, etc.

4. Journeyman International

Journeyman International is a major web channel through which university students, volunteer architects, and other related professionals are connected with various humanitarian projects worldwide.

This organization is determined to help fight poverty and ecological mishap by leveraging architectural expertise to develop safe and sustainable infrastructure. 

5. Open Architecture Collaborative

Open Architecture Collaborative sprang up with the collapse of Architecture for Humanity – the name it was previously known by. But it still retains the latter's mission as collaborators or volunteer architects provide humanitarian designs to various communities. This organization has worked round the clock – and selflessly, too – to give design uplift to where it is most needed.

In staying true to its name, Open Architecture Collaborative also runs advocacy at the grassroots level to drive significant participation in the development and planning of socially responsible designs. This architecture non-profit has given so much back to humanity – and one worth supporting at that. 

6. Public Architecture

Public Architecture was created with an objective in mind – creating social impact designs. More importantly, the organization has developed a scheme encouraging architectural firms to render free services in specific areas. And they even get to link architectural firms to non-profits in some instances. 

This is done to make those in the architectural profession give back to society. It has to be stressed that the organization also rendered free services from time to time. It has overseen and carried out the design and construction of different projects across the US.

7. ARCHIVE Global

Health-centered architecture non-profits also exist, which we have in ARCHIVE Global. Basically, ARCHIVE is the acronym for Architecture for Health in Vulnerable Environments.

The organization is focused on developing housing designs that promote the prevention/spread of diseases. As such, the organization contributes its quota to enhancing health outcomes. 

8. Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity has been around for more than four decades now – it was established in 1976. Within these years, the organization has covered many grounds, making huge impacts in the process.

It has consistently provided architectural designs translated into credible (housing) solutions. But that's all; Habitat for Humanity goes the whole length to ensure that the shelter needs of different families are catered for at affordable rates.

The organization has attended to families in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe in the past. Recently, it provided housing support to Ukrainian families affected by the unrest in the country.

In Conclusion

The world is never without a challenge, and vulnerable people are usually the worst hit. The onus is, however, on individuals and organizations [with specific resources] to alleviate the situation. The architecture non-profits discussed in this article have chosen to play their part in the building/construction industry. Nonetheless, others – who are not architects – do not have to leave it to themselves alone. 

This is where you should consider coming in to offer some support to one or more architecture non-profits. Your support will enable them to reach more vulnerable people's (shelter) needs and may motivate them to keep going.