Educational Foundation of IFDA set to take grant applications for 2025

LEWISVILLE, N.C. — The Educational Foundation of the International Furnishings and Design Assn. is once again taking applications for its professional grants, which it has been awarding since 1968 to talented professionals.

Applications will be accepted June 1-30 for five professional grants this year. Last year, the funds awarded for grants, as well as student scholarships, 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.

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.

The five grants available June 1-30 are:

• 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.

In addition, other grants are available to IFDA chapters and can be applied for at least 30 days prior to the event associated with each grant:

• Barbara Brock Memorial Grant – $750 each, $1,500 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 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