Industry Grants Offered to Design Professionals

Each year, grants offered by the Educational Foundation of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) are awarded to talented professionals in the home furnishings industry and related categories. Applications will be accepted between June 1 and June 30 for five professional grants.  

Last year, the IFDA awarded scholarships and grants that totaled more than $30,000.

“These professional grants present a great opportunity to expand horizons, enhance skills and education and even jump-start careers,” said Karen Dzendolet, chairman of the board of the Educational Foundation of IFDA. “Apply if you are interested. Don’t let this important opportunity go to waste.”

The 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. Undergraduate students are not eligible.

The five grants to be applied for starting June 1, 2025, are as follows:

• Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant — $2,000

Open to an individual involved with Universal Design to meet the living needs of all ages and capabilities in product development; a design project; education or marketing

• 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.

There are also grants available for IFDA chapters that can be applied for throughout the year, at least 30 days prior to the desired event:

• Barbara Brock Memorial Grant – $750 each, $1500 total

Funds will go towards 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).

• 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).

• Schoenthal IFDA Leadership Forum

Provides educational tools for IFDA members, such as webinars and leadership training programs

• New Chapter Development Grant — $1,000

To aid newly formed chapters in creating an educational program to attract membership

• Chapter Student Member Event Grant —$200 Each, $1,000 total

Encourages chapter interaction with IFDA Student members

Winners will be notified by August 31 or as noted for that grant. Click here for more detailed information and applications.