Applications will be accepted between June 1 and June 30 for five professional grants from the Educational Foundation of the International Furnishings and Design Association. Since 1968, this global design industry alliance has awarded grants to talented professionals, as well as scholarships to high-achieving design students. In 2022, the funds awarded for scholarships and grants totaled $27,000. 

“These professional grants are a great opportunity for industry professionals to expand horizons, enhance their skills and education and even jump-start their careers,” said Karen Dzendolet, chair of the board of the IFDA’s Educational Foundation. “Don’t let the opportunity go to waste; apply if you are interested..” 

IFDA Educational Foundation grants are offered to professionals working in the interior design or furnishings-related fields, as well as design educators and design programs, not to undergraduate students. Winners will be notified by Aug. 31 or as noted for that grant.  Visit IFDAEF.org for detailed information and applications.

The six grants, which can be applied for starting June 1, are:

Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant— $3,000

Open to an individual involved in a universal design project to meet living needs of all ages and capabilities.

Ina Mae Kaplan Historic Preservation Grant — $2,000

Open to those involved in restoring or preserving historic sites related to design/furnishings.

Elizabeth Brown Grant to Interior Design Programs — $2,500

Open to an accredited U.S. interior design program for supplementary materials/resources.

Tony Torrice Professional Development Grant — $1,500

Open to professionals in design/furnishings seeking to enhance skills with advanced study.

Valerie Moran Memorial Grant — up to $3,000 

Awarded to an IFDA professional member interested in expanding their horizons through travel, trade shows and professional development studies.

Barbara Brock Memorial Grant – $1,500

Funds will go toward travel expenses for two IFDA experts to speak at various industry venues.

Chapter Partnership Grants — $1,000 each, $3,000 total

Three grants available to IFDA chapters for educational programs (accepted a minimum of 30 days prior to event).  Given our changed circumstances due to Covid-19 this grant program will support educational event programming provided as an online webinar where there are expenses. In addition, these online programs should be promoted to and made available for all IFDA members.

Claire Coleman Founders Grants — $1,000 each, $2,000 total

To help IFDA chapters develop marketing and communications programs, events or projects. Two grants are available to IFDA chapters for marketing or communications programs (accepted a minimum of 30 days prior to event).  Given our changed circumstances due to Covid-19 this grant program will support marketing or communications event programming provided as an online webinar where there are expenses. In addition, these online programs should be promoted to and made available for all IFDA members.

New Chapter Development Grant — $1,000

To aid newly formed chapters in creating an educational program to attract membership.
(Grants available for IFDA chapters can be applied for throughout the year, at least 30 days prior to the event.)