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2027 IDECF Special Projects Grants

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 11:59 pm (PST) Tuesday, December 1, 2026

Description

The IDEC Foundation is pleased to announce funding for Special Projects and invites submissions by the membership. The grant funds creative, goal-oriented activities of a defined scope and duration that benefit interior design education and/or the profession (up to $3,000). Funded projects must produce tangible results and clearly reinforce the mission, core values, and vision of IDEC.

Eligibility

Proposal submissions require that the primary investigator (PI) be an IDEC educator member in good standing. Non-members, associate members, and graduate students may work on the proposal, but only an educator member may submit. 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

Track I: Research Initiatives:

This track 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.

Track II: Applied Initiatives:

Option II is for applied activities/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

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-clearly addressing research question/ideas, research/project design, contribution to the interior design field, alignment with IDEC mission/vision
  • 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 outlining the proposed expenses

This is a blind review; any abstract, IRB application/information, or budget that includes identifying information, such as the name of the researchers or institution, will be disqualified. If necessary, redact any identifying information in order to protect the integrity of the blind review.

Following the review, recipients will be notified of their assigned awards before the 2027 IDEC Annual Conference and celebrated on stage at the annual conference.

TERMS OF AWARD

The funding shall be paid to the Grantee(s), or their institution, in one disbursement. The payment will be received after the Letter of Agreement has been signed by the appropriate parties (IDECF Executive Vice President and the grantee). F&A (Facilities and Admin) costs are not allowed to be taken from this grant.

QUESTIONS?

Contact the IDEC Grants & Scholarship Coordinator with any questions:

Grant Coordinator: Anna Ruth Gatlin, annaruth@auburn.edu

Scholarship Coordinator:  Rana Abudayyeh, rabudayy@utk.edu

Thank you to IDEC’s 2026 Sponsors and Partners

© 2026 Interior Design Educators Council