IFDA Announces 2019 Professional Grants

May 8, 2019  by Jane Chero in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

Since the early years of this 72-year-old global design industry alliance, EF has awarded grants to talented professionals as well as scholarships to high achieving design students, internationally.  Last year, the funds awarded totaled more than $32,000.  

“We are excited about these professional grants, which meet a variety of objectives, including helping people expand their horizons and enhance their skills and education,” said Merry Mabbett Dean, FIFDA, chairman of the board of the Educational Foundation of IFDA.  “Our commitment to improving our industry and enhancing public awareness through educational and philanthropic programs never wavers.”

The Grants are offered to professionals working in the interior design or furnishings related fields, not to undergraduate students. Winners will be notified by July 31 or as noted for that grant. More detailed information and applications can be found at ifdaef.org.

The 11 grants are as follows:

Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant— $2,000

Open to an individual involved in universal design 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.

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

Three grants awarded to IFDA chapters for educational programs (accepted a minimum of 60 days prior to event).

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.