Did you know that IIDA provides more than $50,000 in scholarships and awards every year through the IIDA Foundation? As a part of our commitment to interior design, students, entrepreneurs, and design practitioners at any level in their career can apply for funds to further their education, earn accreditation, drive research, or to support their business.
The IIDA Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit philanthropic organization with a mission to drive innovation and advancements in the commercial interior design field. Through funding opportunities and the continued support of education, research, and outreach, the IIDA Foundation makes a meaningful impact on our industry across different career paths and specializations.
What could you qualify for? Take a peek below, and learn more about how you can benefit from IIDA’s investment in the future of design.
John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship Award
Application period: August - October
Award amount: Up to $10,000 in scholarship funds per recipient, for two (2) recipients, per application period.
Who should apply? Undergraduate students of African American descent who are currently enrolled in a U.S. not-for-profit CIDA- or NASAD-accredited interior design or NAAB-accredited architecture program. IIDA membership is not required to apply.
How are winners chosen? Winners are chosen by a jury of experts
Learn more here
LEED Education Fund
Fall Application Period: September-November
Spring Application Period: January-March
Award amount: Up to $350 in exam reimbursement funds will be awarded to up to five (5) recipients each, per each application period.
Who should apply? IIDA members who have completed and passed the LEED Green Associate or LEED AP exam should apply to the application period that corresponds with their exam.
How are winners chosen? Awardees are selected through a lottery system.
Learn more here
NCIDQ Tuition Reimbursement Fund
Fall Application Period: September-November
Spring Application Period: January-March
Award amount: Up to $1,110 in exam reimbursement funds will be awarded to five (5) recipients each, per each application period.
Who should apply? IIDA members who have completed and passed all three sections of the NCIDQ exam should apply to the application period that corresponds with their final exam.
How are winners chosen? Awardees are selected through a lottery system.
Learn more here
WELL AP Education Fund
Fall application period: September-November
Spring application period: January-March
Award: Up to $350 in exam reimbursement funds will be awarded to five (5) recipients each, per each application period.
Who should apply? IIDA members who have completed and passed the WELL AP exam should apply to the application period that corresponds with their exam.
How are winners chosen? Awardees are selected through a lottery system.
Learn more here
IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship
Application period: October-December
Award: One (1) $5,000 scholarship, one (1) $3,000 scholarship, and four (4) $500 scholarships per application period.
Who should apply? Graduate and undergraduate students from a racial or ethnic minority who are currently enrolled in an interior design or architecture program.
How are winners chosen? Winners are chosen by a jury of experts.
Learn more here
Anna Hernandez/Luna Textiles Award
Application period: January-March
Award amount: $5,000 will be awarded to one (1) recipient per application period to be used towards growing their business.
Who should apply? Women entrepreneurs with a business or firm specializing in commercial interior design or product design, with the firm or business having been in existence for a minimum of one (1) year and no more than seven (7) years as of January 1 of the application year.
How are winners chosen? Winners are chosen by a jury of experts.
Learn more here
Kimball International Makers of a Better Future
Application period: February-April
Award: Up to $2,500 will be awarded to up to two (2) recipients each per application period, and awardees will be recognized at the IIDA Annual Meeting.
Who should apply?: Practicing interior designers or architects who are committed to advancing technology, sustainability, or social evolution through their design.
How are winners chosen? Winners are chosen by a jury of experts.
Learn more here
Wilsonart Student Essay Competition
Application period: April-June
Award: $1,000 in scholarship funds will be awarded to one (1) recipient per application period.
Who should apply: Students who participate in the current year’s IIDA Student Mentoring program.
How are winners chosen? Winners are chosen by a panel of experts.
Learn more here
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