LEWISVILLE, N.C. — The International Furnishings and Design Assn. (IFDA) will be accepting applications June 1-30 for five professional grants from its Educational Foundation.
Since 1968, this 77-year-old international design industry alliance has been awarding grants to professionals and scholarships to design students worldwide. Last year, $30,000 was distributed in scholarships and grants.
“These professional grants offer industry professionals the chance to broaden their horizons, enhance their skills and education, and even kick-start their careers,” said Stephanie Graham, chairman of the board of the IFDA Educational Foundation.
IFDA Educational Foundation grants are available to professionals in the interior design and furnishings industries, as well as to design educators and design programs, but not to undergraduate students. Winners will be notified by Aug. 31 or according to the specific grant’s schedule. Detailed information and applications can be found on the website.
Applications for the following grants will be accepted through the end of the month:
- Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant — $2,000. Available to individuals involved in Universal Design through product development, design projects, education, or marketing.
- Ina Mae Kaplan Historic Preservation Grant — $2,000. Open to those engaged in restoring or preserving historic sites related to design or furnishings.
- Elizabeth Brown Grant to Interior Design Programs — $2,500. Available to accredited U.S. interior design programs for supplementary materials and resources.
- Tony Torrice Professional Development Grant — $1,500. Open to professionals in the design and furnishings industries seeking advanced study to enhance their skills.
- 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.
The following grants available for IFDA chapters can be applied for throughout the year, at least 30 days prior to the event:
- Barbara Brock Memorial Grant — $750 each, $1,500 total. Funds will cover 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.
- Claire Coleman Founders Grants — $1,000 each, $2,000 total. To assist IFDA chapters in developing marketing and communications programs, events or projects. Two grants available for marketing or communications programs.
- New Chapter Development Grant — $1,000. To support newly formed chapters in creating an educational program to attract membership.
The IFDA Educational Foundation is a non-profit, tax exempt, 501c(3) organization that provides educational and professional development opportunities to those working in the furniture and interior design industries.