June 8, 2022

Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2022, for five professional grants from the Educational Foundation (EF) of IFDA, the International Furnishings and Design Association.

Since 1968, this 75-year-old global design industry alliance has awarded grants to talented professionals as well as scholarships to high-achieving design students, internationally.  Last year, the funds awarded for scholarships and grants totaled $27,000. 

“These professional grants are about expanding horizons, enhancing skills and education and even jump-starting careers,” said Helen Wagner, IFDA, chairman of the Board of the Educational Foundation of IFDA. “Our commitment to growing and strengthening the design profession is steadfast.”

IFDA Educational Foundation professional 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 August 31 or as noted for that grant.  The website has detailed information and applications: ifdaef.org. 

The six professional grants, to be applied for are as follows:

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 – $1500

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

Additional professional grants are available for IFDA chapters and can be applied for throughout the year, at least 30 days prior to the event: 

Chapter Partnership Grants — $1,000 Each, $3,000 Total 

Three grants are available to IFDA chapters for educational programs (accepted a minimum of 30 days prior to event).  Given the 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 beyond the local chapter receiving the grant funding; that is, 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 beyond the local chapter receiving the grant funding; that is, 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.