IFDADC

The International Furnishings and Design Association Education Foundation, (IFDA/EF) is the philanthropic and educational arm of the organization and every IFDA member also belongs to the Foundation.

 

The purpose of IFDA/EF is to encourage the development of educational programs and worthwhile projects that enhance the quality of life for individuals and the public at large while providing support for students entering and re-entering various professions in the field as well as opportunities for continuing education.

 

IFDA Chapters play a major funding role through yearly donations, memorials and special events supporting EF. The IFDA/EF scholarship roster includes: the Green/Sustainable Scholarship; Part Time Student Scholarship; Vercille Voss Graduate Student Scholarship; Marketing Internship Scholarship; IFDA Student Member Scholarship; IFDA Leaders Commemorative Scholarship, supported by the Georgia Chapter; and Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship, supported by the Carolinas Chapter.

 

IFDA/EF grants include: the Tony Torrice Professional Development Grant, supported by the Northern California Chapter; Elizabeth Brown Grant for Interior Design Programs, supported by the Texas Chapter; Ina Mae Kaplan Historic Preservation Grant and the Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant, both supported by the Washington Chapter. EF also awards a Barbara Brock Grant supported by the Arizona Chapter, as well as Chapter Partnership and New IFDA Chapter Grants. The Schoenthal IFDA Leadership Grant supports member webinars and professional seminars at IFDA conferences and meetings.

IFDA/EF sponsors a national Raymond Waites Design Competition.  The 2010 winner was selected in April and presented with a $5000 prize at the High Point Market. 

 

Dedicated to the support and service of the home furnishings and design communities, the IFDA Educational Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(C)3 organization, raising and distributing funds to foster educational activities as well as related charitable endeavors. Administered by a five member Board of Trustees, EF's primary funding sources include a portion of IFDA member dues as well as donations from chapters, individual members, industry and corporate friends.

IFDA/EF has embarked on an ambitions fundraising initiative, "March to a Million" and an element of this campaign is a national "Walk for Design Education."

 

To learn more about the IFDA Educational Foundation including the NewsNet newsletter, how to donate online and information about EF scholarships and grants, go to www.ifdaef.org.