INTERNATIONAL FURNISHINGS AND DESIGN ASSOCIATION

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION GRANTS 

IFDA Educational Foundation GRANTS are offered to professionals working in the interior design or furnishings related fields, not to undergraduate students. IFDA-EF grant funds shall be for the stated use of the individual or organization applying for the grant. All IFDA-EF grant funds will be paid to the winners in US dollars. IFDA Educational Foundation grant funds may not be used to pay any indirect costs that might be associated with acceptances of such a grant. 

The grant application forms may be found by clicking on the "View" link at the end of each grant overview. See application forms for further requirements. The committee will not review incomplete or late applications.

Grant applications will be accepted this year  between June 1 and no later than June 30th, unless otherwise noted. Winners will be notified by August 31 or as noted for that grant.

GRANTS:

Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant— $2,000

Open to an Individual Developing 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 United States Accredited 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

Barbara Brock Memorial Grant — $750 Each, $1,500 Total

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

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

Three Grants Awarded to IFDA Chapters for Educational Programs

New Chapter Development Grant — $1,000

To Aid Newly Formed Chapters in Creating an Educational Program to Attract Membership

Claire Coleman Founders Grants — $1,000 Each, $2,000 Total

To help IFDA Chapters develop Marketing and Communications Programs, Events or Projects

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

Schoenthal IFDA Leadership Forum

Provides Educational Tools for IFDA Members, Such as Webinars and Leadership Training Programs

DETAILS OF GRANTS:

Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant — $2,000

Supported by the IFDA Washington, DC Chapter

Recognizing the increasing importance of universal design in improving the quality of daily living for all people throughout their life cycle, the IFDA Educational Foundation has established the Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant, supported by the Washington Chapter in memory of Irma Dobkin, a Fellow in IFDA, chapter leader and past Educational Foundation Chair.

Universal Design is at its best when its concepts are incorporated as an essential part of all good design, including creative, aesthetic, imaginative, functional, and compassionate solutions that respect the human condition throughout a range of abilities, and in a way that encourages interaction among people of all ages and capabilities. The ability to design spaces that can be used by more types of people including adults and children with disabilities, as well as those who are aging, is essential for success in today's marketplace.

This Grant is awarded to an individual working independently and seeking more involvement in the field of universal design in one of the following areas:

Product Development - support in developing a product that provides assistance in performing activities of daily living or support in marketing such a product.

Design Project - support in the design, marketing, or building public awareness of a residential or commercial space open to the public, which incorporates universal design concepts and principles. Such projects could include, but are not limited to, show houses, public spaces, schools or independent group homes.

Education - increasing awareness of universal design through educational avenues. A grant could be awarded to, but not limited to, an individual developing a curriculum, arranging a symposium, establishing a program or department, or writing a textbook/resource guide on the subject.

Marketing - the dissemination of information for greater public/professional awareness and acceptance of the universal design standard as necessary and right for all. Authors, association spokespersons, and others could be award recipients.

Basing your responses on the specific area you are applying for: Product Development, A Design Project, Education or Marketing—

Application Requirements for Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant

One copy of each of the following:

The completed Application Form.

300-500 word essay explaining career background and the reason for pursuing this grant.

A detailed description of the project, product, or curriculum being undertaken. Include the goals and objectives; how it will be marketed; who will benefit; how lifestyles will be improved and what role you would play. If possible include photos or illustrations.

List of specific costs, grant budget and a timeline for the project.

Letter of recommendation from an associate aware of your abilities and interest in the project.

All files are to be submitted/emailed as PDF's to Earline Feldman,Director of Scholarships & Grants, at ef.ifda@tapestries.org jnichols@highpoint.edu

View the Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant Application

The grant committee will not review incomplete or late applications.

Ina Mae Kaplan Historic Preservation Grant — $2,000

Supported by the IFDA Washington, DC Chapter

Recognizing the increasing importance of preserving our nation's historic treasures the IFDA Educational Foundation established the Ina Mae Kaplan Historic Preservation Grant. It is in memory of interior designer, Ina Mae Kaplan, an IFDA Fellow, which reflects her dedicated service to the association, her chapter and the community. This Grant is to be awarded to an individual in the interior furnishings field, a design professional, or an organization involved with historic preservation/restoration. 

ELIGIBILITY/GUIDELINES

The grant applicant must be involved in the interior furnishings industry or a related field and also involved in historic preservation/restoration of a public building or significant structure.

The following are suggested eligible activities and projects for which this Grant may be used:

Obtaining services of consultants with expertise in areas such as architecture, planning, paint, wall covering or floor covering analysis, archeology, fund raising, media relations, education or graphic design. Include photographs or illustrations of the project, what role you would play and estimated costs, and timeline.

Designing, producing and marketing print and video communications materials.

Sponsoring preservation/restoration conferences and workshops.

Designing and implementing innovative preservation/restoration educational programs.

Financing an adaptive reuse project. Include photographs or illustrations of the project, what role you would play and estimated costs, and timeline.

Application Requirements for Ina Mae Kaplan Historic Preservation Grant

One copy of each of the following:

The completed Application Form

300-500 word essay explaining industry involvement, accomplishments, reason for pursuing the independent historic preservation/restoration project, and how grant funds will be used.

Timeline and budget for grant funds.

Please provide a short resume, reflecting design industry accomplishments.

Detailed description of the project being undertaken — (photos or illustrations if applicable) and what role you would play.

Letter of recommendation from an associate aware of your abilities and interest in the project.

All files are to be submitted/emailed as PDF's to Earline Feldman,Director of Scholarships & Grants, at ef.ifda@tapestries.org 

View the Ina Mae Kaplan Historic Preservation Grant Application

The grant committee will not review incomplete or late applications.

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

The Elizabeth Brown Grant to Interior Design Programs was established to honor one of IFDA Educational Foundation's founding members and first President. Her philosophy has always been to encourage education and promote discernment of quality in products and design. The IFDA Educational Foundation will award one $2,500 grant to an accredited Interior Design Program at a college, university, technical or art school in the United States. The grant will be paid to the school or department library, to be used for supplementary design program materials, such as books, periodicals, audio visual aids, computer software, or other needed resources.

Application Requirements for Elizabeth Brown Grant to Interior Design Programs

One copy of each of the following:

The completed Application Form.

One-page overview of the Interior Design Program, including majors and faculty at the nationally accredited college, university, technical or art school.

Two-page proposal stating the need, list of items to be purchased, approximate cost, reason for these selections, how students will use them, and how their knowledge and skills will be enhanced with them.

Budget for the grant.

All files are to be submitted/emailed as PDF's to Earline Feldman,Director of Scholarships & Grants, at ef.ifda@tapestries.org 

View the Elizabeth Brown Grant to Interior Design Programs Application

The grant committee will not review incomplete or late applications.

Tony Torrice Professional Development Grant — $1,500

The IFDA Educational Foundation established this grant in memory of designer, author, teacher, lecturer, and IFDA Trailblazer, Tony Torrice, IFDA, ASID. The Tony Torrice Professional Development Grant is awarded to a professional working in the interior design or related field who wants to advance his or her professional development and career through independent or academic study. An industry professional qualifying as a recipient of this award may work in, but is not limited to, the areas of design, marketing, education, writing/publishing, retailing, or manufacturing.

Application Requirements for Tony Torrice Professional Development Grant 

One copy of each of the following:

Completed application form.

300-500 word essay explaining your reason for pursuing independent or academic study and why you believe you are deserving of this award.

Budget for the grant funds.

Please provide a short resume, reflecting design industry accomplishments.

Letter of recommendation from an associate aware of your abilities and future career plans.

All files are to be submitted/emailed as PDF's to Earline Feldman,Director of Scholarships & Grants, at ef.ifda@tapestries.org 

View the Tony Torrice Professional Development Grant Application

The grant committee will not review incomplete or late applications.  

Barbara Brock Memorial Grant — $1,500 

Supported by the IFDA Arizona Chapter

The IFDA Arizona Chapter provides funding to the IFDA Educational Foundation for the grant they established in memory of Barbara Brock, a former IFDA Fellow, chapter member and Chapter President as well as an IFDA National President and Educational Foundation Chair.

The Barbara Brock Memorial Grant will be used to pay for travel expenses for two  IFDA experts to speak at various industry venues, such as Market Weeks, First Fridays, Trade Events, Educational Seminars and Home Shows.  Reimbursement towards each speaker's travel expenses is not to exceed $750. 

ELIGIBILITY/GUIDELINES

• Applicant must be an IFDA member and be listed in the IFDA Speakers Bureau.

• A list of IFDA member speakers with CEU accredited courses, as well as IFDA member experts who have an educational program to offer can be found at the IFDA.com website and by clicking on the Speakers Bureau tab.

• For those IFDA members not yet included in The IFDA Speakers Bureau, please go to IFDA.com website, click on the Speakers Bureau tab and follow the directions for completing the Speakers Bureau Application.

• A group will contact an IFDA member to speak at an event. The IFDA Member will complete the Barbara Brock grant application and forward it to the IFDA/EF Director of Scholarships and Grants. Applications are accepted throughout the year. The IFDA/EF Board Committee will review the application and inform the IFDA member within 30 days. 

Application Requirements for Barbara Brock Memorial Grant

One (1) copy of the following: 

• Completed Barbara Brock Memorial Grant Application Form.

• Description of the program you are presenting, including the title.

• Brief description of the group or organization that is holding the event.

• Resume.

• 100-200 word biography that can be used for Educational Foundation publicity.                                                       All files are to be submitted/emailed as PDF's to Earline Feldman,Director of Scholarships & Grants, at ef.ifda@tapestries.org 

View the Barbara Brock Memorial Grant Application 

View the Barbara Brock Memorial Grant Speaker's Reimbursement Form 

The Chapter Board is responsible for filling out the reimbursement form. 

The grant committee will not review incomplete or late applications.

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

Chapter Partnership Grants were established by the Educational Foundation to support educational programs at the chapter level. Such programs can also be a catalyst to enhance the visibility of IFDA and attract new members and sponsors. 

The Chapter Partnership Grant can provide chapters with financial support to enable their planning, communication and program options. Programs that provide important information on business, new developments, innovation and trends in the industry will be considered. These topics can assist IFDA members to be effective in reaching and working with clients. 

The Educational Foundation will award three $1,000 grants, totaling $3,000 annually. 

ELIGIBILITY/GUIDELINES

Grant Amount: $1,000

Chapters requesting Chapter Partnership Grants must have a current and active VP of Educational Foundation.

Chapters may not receive a partnership grant two years in a row. Applications must be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to an event.

Grant must be applied for, event completed and funds distributed within the same calendar year.

Grant awards will be based on the following criteria: 

Programs that provide visibility to the Chapter and IFDA.

Programs that address issues of concern to the industry, such as business practices, sustainability, new building codes, etc. and programs offering CEUs.

Creative promotion and marketing approaches.

All files are to be submitted/emailed as PDF's to Earline Feldman, Director of Scholarships & Grants, at ef.ifda@tapestries.org 

Application Requirements for Chapter Partnership Grants

One (1) copy of each of the following:

Completed 2-page application form.

Event invitation draft which must mention that the event is supported by the IFDA Educational Foundation and if possible, also include the IFDA Educational Foundation logo that will be provided. The presentation should include the IFDA-EF provided informational PowerPoint.

View the Chapter Partnership Grants Application Page 1

View the Chapter Partnership Grants Application Page 2

View the Chapter Partnership De-Briefing Form Page 1 and Page 2

The grant committee will not review incomplete or late applications.

New Chapter Development Grant — $1,000

Supported by IFDA Educational Foundation

The IFDA Educational Foundation created a grant to assist a newly established chapter. This Grant is designed to help a new chapter present an educational program to benefit current members and attract new members. IFDA chapters have a responsibility to their membership to educate, enhance and promote the furnishings and design industry and the practice of these professions through programs and events. The New Chapter Development Grant will assist the chapter with funds to meet this responsibility.

ELIGIBILITY/GUIDELINES

Must be an official new IFDA chapter with a minimum of 15 members.

Chapter Board must consist of the following positions: 

President

Treasurer

Secretary

VP of Membership

VP of Programs

VP of Educational Foundation

(Board members names and information to be included with grant application)

Must have held a minimum of three official board meetings

Grant to be used for Educational Program criteria below: 

Program to provide visibility for the new Chapter, IFDA and IFDA Educational Foundation.

Program could be a workshop, seminar, panel discussion or speaker but needs to be educational in scope. Subjects should pertain to current issues in the home furnishings industry, such as business practices, universal design, sustainability, design resources in the area, new building codes, etc.

Promotion and marketing should be directed at reaching potential members in the design community as well as the current IFDA members.

Invitation should include the following: This program is funded with the help of a grant from the IFDA Educational Foundation.

Application Requirements for New Chapter Development Grant

One (1) copy of each of the following:

Completed application form.

Event invitation draft that must mention "This program is funded with the help of a grant from the IFDA Educational Foundation" and if possible, include the IFDA Educational Foundation logo that will be provided.

A list of the names of the IFDA chapter board members and their positions: President, Treasurer, Secretary, VP of Membership, VP of Programs, VP of Educational Foundation.

One copy of the minutes from the last three chapter board meetings.

All files are to be submitted/emailed as PDF's to Earline Feldman, Director of Scholarships & Grants, at ef.ifda@tapestries.org 

View the New Chapter Development Grant

The grant committee will not review incomplete or late applications.

Claire Coleman Founders Grants — $1,000 Each, $2,000 Total

Supported by the IFDA New York Chapter

This grant was established to honor Marketing and Communications expert, Claire Coleman, FIFDA, who is an IFDA Founding Member, Fellow and past IFDA Chapter President, IFDA International President, and Board member of both the New York and Illinois chapters. Claire is currently an advisor to the Board of Directors of the New York Chapter. The Grant provides an annual fund of $2,000 to assist two IFDA Chapters with $1,000 each for a Marketing or Communications event or project. The program should include a segment on the value of IFDA membership, information about IFDA Educational Foundation Scholarships and Grants, as well as recognizing the Claire Coleman Founders Grant that helped fund this event. Applications must be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to an event. All files are to be submitted/emailed as PDF's to Earline Feldman, Director of Scholarships & Grants, at ef.ifda@tapestries.org 

View the Claire Coleman Founders Grant Application Page 1 

View the Claire Coleman Founders Grant Application Page 2 

View the Claire Coleman Founders Grant De-Briefing Form Page1 and Page 2

The grant committee will not review incomplete or late applications.

Valerie Moran Memorial Grant — up to $3,000 

Supported by the IFDA New York Chapter

The IFDA New York Chapter established this grant in memory of innovator, designer, merchandiser, and business leader, Valerie Moran, FIFDA. The Valerie Moran Memorial Grant is awarded to an IFDA professional who shows outstanding innovation with regards to design or merchandising. This IFDA professional must exhibit the highest integrity in their business dealings and exhibit an innovative approach in their business practices. The grant is awarded to an IFDA professional interested in expanding their horizons through travel, trade shows, or professional development studies.

The Valerie Moran Memorial Grant is awarded to an IFDA Professional Member requesting funds to participate in one or more of the following:         

Travel for inspiration

Scout for products and creative ideas at a trade show

Reimbursement for travel to a conference

Take a course for professional development

Application Requirements for Valerie Moran Memorial Grant 

One copy of each of the following:

Completed application form.

300-500 word essay explaining your innovation and why you believe you are deserving of this award.

Budget for the grant funds. List of specific costs.

Please provide a short resume, reflecting design industry accomplishments.

Letter of recommendation from an associate aware of your innovation and your desire to explore. 

The funds will be awarded as reimbursement of expenses after presentation of receipts. 

The recipient must send a review of how the funds were spent and the benefits of the grant.

The EF Board members have the option to award grant monies to more that one applicant in a year (up to a total of $3000)

A Valerie Moran Memorial Grant recipient may not apply again for five (5) years.

All files are to be submitted/emailed as PDF's to Earline Feldman,Director of Scholarships & Grants, at ef.ifda@tapestries.org 

View the Valerie Moran Memorial Grant Application

The grant committee will not review incomplete or late applications.

Schoenthal IFDA Leadership Forum

This grant was named to honor a longtime dedicated member, Harriet Schoenthal, an IFDA Fellow and 2007 recipient of the prestigious IFDA National Honorary Recognition Award. The grant provides training for future leaders of IFDA and the design/furnishings industry. It is offered by invitation only to a select group of IFDA members. This valuable interactive program led by noted professionals, provides attendees with the tools to communicate more effectively and to strengthen their leadership skills. The leadership-building program may coincide with an IFDA Industry Forum, Symposium, Board of Directors or Circle of Presidents Conference or could be presented as a webinar or other type format.

Questions? Contact:

Earline Feldman

Director of Scholarships & Grants

email: ef.ifda@tapestries.org

phone: This email address is being protected from spambots. 

PHONE: 1.770.378.7221