Even in this time of crisis, LAF works to increase the capacity, influence, and impact of landscape architects, continues. Recently, LAF has awarded $103,000 in scholarships to students, juries are convening to select the 2020 National Olmsted Scholars and Finalists - to whom they'll award $64,000, and the third cohort of LAF Fellows are now less than two months away from presenting their projects at the LAF Innovation + Leadership Symposium.

 Barbara Deutsch, FASLA, the CEO of the organization acknowledges that 2020 is not
the first challenging year in LAF's 54-year history, nor will it be the last, but it is bringing confrontations and uncertainty that she has not seen before.

 
"One of the things we must do differently: ensure LAF has an even broader base of financial support from individuals in the landscape architecture community," Deutsch reports confidently, though reluctantly.

"Given the circumstances and the scale of the impact the pandemic is having on our communities, I'd prefer if LAF could skip this year's spring fundraising campaign, but the reality is, the uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, means that over 60% of our forecasted revenue is now at risk," she says. "While a portion of the funds required to support LAF's programs are secured, our Annual Fund - the revenue we fundraise for each year to support our programs and operations - is not.

"And so, with a deep sensitivity to the gravity of current events, I am writing to you today asking for your support." 


The spring campaign has begun with the goal to raise $25,000 from the landscape architecture community by June 5. 

"LAF will continue to be here for you-and future generations-but it will take the support of our community to get us there," continues Deutsch. "I understand that some may not be in a position to provide financial support at this time, and if you would like to opt-out of receiving emails related to this campaign-or if you have any questions about this campaign and the other actions LAF is taking to navigate this time-please feel free to reach out to me."

She concludes "With your health, safety, and well-being in mind, and deep gratitude for all that you do."

https://www.lafoundation.org/donate