A community design initiative from Galbraith Carnahan Architects
Good design
belongs to
everyone.
The GCA Deep Roots Program connects nonprofits with the professional architecture and design expertise they need but rarely have access to, so the communities they serve can truly thrive.
Through the Deep Roots Program, one nonprofit each year receives pro bono architectural services, from programming and space planning to schematic design and a facilitated workshop with your team and the people you serve. Because the built environment shapes lives, and nonprofits deserve design that works as hard as they do.
For many organizations, a professional architectural vision is the missing piece. It’s what turns a funding conversation from a wish into a plan.
The process
Simple by design.
We’ve kept the process straightforward so that small organizations with limited staff capacity can participate without burden.
Share your organization’s mission, the space challenge you’re facing, and how professional design could help. A PDF submitted by email is all it takes.
Deadline: June 15, 2026
Eligibility
Built for organizations doing real work.
This program is for nonprofits with a vision for their space who lack the resources to bring it to life.
What’s included
Services valued at $15,000–$25,000. May include programming, space planning, schematic design, concept renderings, community visioning, and an estimated budget — scoped collaboratively to fit your project.
Commitment deposit
A $2,000 refundable commitment deposit is required at the time of selection. It confirms your organization’s readiness to engage and is returned in full after the agreed pro bono scope is completed.
- 501(c)(3) status A U.S.-based nonprofit in good standing with a recent 990 filing and a mission serving the public good.
- A defined space challenge Renovation, adaptive reuse, new build, space planning, or accessibility improvements — at any stage.
- Organizational resilience A demonstrated history of stable operations and a long-term mission that will outlast the project.
- Capacity to collaborate A primary point of contact who can engage meaningfully with our team throughout the process.
Not eligible
- For-profit businesses or social enterprises
- Organizations with an existing architectural contract for this project
Questions
Answers before you ask.
If something isn’t answered here, we’d genuinely love to hear from you.
What does pro bono mean in practice?
The selected organization receives professional architecture and design services from GCA at no cost. Services are valued between $15,000 and $25,000 and scoped based on your project. An AIA B106 agreement is signed to formalize the relationship and protect both parties.
What is the $2000 commitment deposit?
When selected, your organization will be asked to submit a $2,000 refundable commitment deposit before the AIA agreement is signed. The deposit confirms your organization’s readiness to engage in a meaningful, collaborative process and is returned in full after the agreed pro bono scope is completed.
Do we need funding secured before applying?
No. Early-stage and pre-funded projects are especially encouraged to apply. Professional design work, whether a schematic design, a space plan, or a programming study, is often exactly what helps nonprofits build their case for capital campaigns and grant funding.
What does the application include?
Applications are submitted as a PDF by email, modeled after a standard RFP process. The application guide walks through exactly what to include. We ask about your organization’s mission, your space challenge, your 990 filing, and a preliminary budget range.
Who selects the recipient?
A committee of four, GCA’s two partners and two team members, reviews all applications and selects finalists. The final selection reflects the strength of the application and what emerges from finalist conversations.
When are unsuccessful applicants notified?
We notify unsuccessful applicants after the AIA agreement with the selected organization is finalized, and we reach out to each one personally. Our resources allow us to take on one project per year, and we genuinely wish it were more. Every application represents meaningful work, and we don’t take that lightly.
Can we reapply in future years?
Yes, absolutely. The Deep Roots Program is designed as an ongoing annual initiative. We hope organizations who apply and aren’t selected will stay connected and reapply in future cycles.
Apply for 2026
Is your organization ready to grow?
Submit a PDF application to our team by June 15, 2026. We review every application personally and respond to every organization that applies.
Submit your PDF to grow@galbraithcarnahan.com. A $2,000 refundable commitment deposit is required upon selection and returned in full after the agreed pro bono scope is completed. Questions? Reach out anytime before you apply.