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© 2026 Interior Design Educators Council
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT (PST) WEDNESDAY December 10, 2025
Description
The IDEC Foundation is pleased to announce funding for Special Projects and invites submissions by the membership. Requests for funding up to $3,000 will be considered that engage creative, goal-oriented activities of a defined scope and duration benefiting interior design education and/or the profession. Funded projects must produce tangible results and clearly reinforce the mission, core values, and vision of IDEC.
Eligibility
Proposal submissions require the primary participation of an IDEC professional member in good standing. Non-members, associate members, and graduate students may only submit proposals with a professional member. Current and former IDECF Board Members from the last five years are not eligible to apply. Proposals may be generated by the general membership as individuals, networks, committees, and regions, or by the Board of Directors.
Previous Special Projects recipients are eligible to apply after two years have lapsed, between the ending date of one award and the beginning date of the new award, with successful completion and dissemination of their previous project results.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Option I: Research Initiatives:
This option includes research projects by individuals or teams. Research Initiatives investigate, study, and/or explore an issue using an articulated methodology, hypotheses/research questions, and a specific avenue of inquiry. Initiatives benefit the discipline through education or practice and contribute to the body of knowledge.
Option II: Activities:
Option II is for non-research projects that address and expand knowledge and understanding of an issue impacting interior design and/or interior design education. Potential activities supported through this option include, but are not limited to, symposia, meetings, speakers, workshops, etc.
In either category, funding may support outreach efforts for the following:
- Events that bring together diverse constituencies
- Public-service activities through a project related to health, safety, and welfare
- Contributions to the profession through education
- Community problem-solving that serves as a model demonstrating the public benefits of interior design
EVALUATION
Each submission will be evaluated on the following criteria:
Quality of the idea as articulated in the written abstract
- Contribution to interior design education and/or the profession
- Alignment with IDEC mission, values, and vision
APPLICATION
This is a blind review, any abstract or budget that includes the name of the researchers or institution will be disqualified.
The special projects application requires the following:
- Proposal abstract (500-word maximum) describing the research initiative or activity
- For research projects using human subjects, authors must include an IRB application (as required by their institution) for human subject research with this application. The IRB does not need to be approved prior to submitting.
- Budget:
This is a blind review; any abstract or budget that includes identifying information, such as the name of the researchers or institution, will be disqualified.
Following the review, recipients will be notified of their assigned awards prior to the 2026 IDEC Annual Conference.
TERMS OF AWARD
The funding shall be paid to the Grantee(s), or their institution, in two equal disbursements. The initial payment, half the awarded amount, will be received after the Letter of Agreement has been signed by the appropriate parties (IDECF Executive Vice President and the grantee). Upon approval of the Interim Report, a check will be issued for the remaining funds. F&A (Facilities and Admin) costs are not allowed to be taken from this grant.
QUESTIONS?
Contact the IDEC Grants Coordinator or Collaborative Coordinator with any questions:
Anna Gitelman
Grants Coordinator
Suffolk University
Sarah Angne Alfaro
Scholarship Coordinator
Ball State University
The IDEC Foundation is pleased to announce funding for Special Projects and invites submissions by the membership. Requests - for funding up to $3,000 - will be considered that engage creative, goal-oriented activities of a defined scope and duration benefiting interior design education and/or the profession. One or two projects may be funded this year. Funded projects must produce tangible results and clearly reinforce the mission, core values, and vision of IDEC. The committee may decide to split the funds among more than two requests.
Thank you to IDEC Sponsors and Partners
