IFDA Offers $25,500 in Educational Foundation Scholarships

Applications open March 1-31 for nine scholarships supporting design students and professionals

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:55pm

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The International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) is accepting applications for nine scholarships totaling $25,500 from its Educational Foundation. The scholarships are open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in interior design and related programs, as well as design professionals, and will be awarded for the 2026 fall semester.

Why it matters

The IFDA Educational Foundation has a long history of supporting the next generation of designers through scholarships and grants. These awards help make design education more accessible and promote the growth of the industry.

The details

The nine scholarships available include the new $6,000 Tony Fusco Scholarship for New England residents, the $3,000 FBN Leaders Commemorative Scholarship, the $1,500 Part-Time Student Scholarship, the $2,000 IFDA Student Member Scholarship, the $2,000 Vercille Voss IFDA Graduate Student Scholarship, the $4,000 Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship, the $3,000 Barbara Beckmann Textile Design Scholarship, the $2,500 IFDA Philadelphia Scholarship focused on graphic design, and the $1,500 Tricia LeVangie Green/Sustainable Design Scholarship.

  • Applications will be accepted from March 1-31, 2026.
  • Winners will be notified in July 2026.

The players

IFDA

The International Furnishings and Design Association is a global design industry alliance with a diverse membership including designers, media, and marketers.

IFDA Educational Foundation

The educational and philanthropic arm of IFDA that has awarded scholarships to design students and grants to design professionals since the early years of the 79-year-old organization.

Karen Dzendolet

Chairman of the Board of the IFDA Educational Foundation.

Earline Feldman

Director of Scholarships & Grants for the IFDA Educational Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“We are honored to support today's students and enhance awareness of design through educational and philanthropic programs.”

— Karen Dzendolet, Chairman of the Board, IFDA Educational Foundation (hfbusiness.com)

What’s next

Winners of the 2026 IFDA Educational Foundation scholarships will be notified in July 2026.

The takeaway

The IFDA Educational Foundation's scholarship program demonstrates a long-standing commitment to nurturing the next generation of designers and design professionals through financial support and educational opportunities.