IDEC / IDECF Special Projects Award
The IDECF supports research through the Special Projects Award with proceeds from a special fund established by the Polsky Foundation twenty years ago, and invites submissions by the membership. Requests will be considered that engage creative, goal-oriented activities of a defined scope and duration benefiting interior design education and/or the profession. The committee may decide to award some or all of the funds in one category or to split the funds among several requests.
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. Proposals that demonstrate matching or supplemental funds will be given priority.
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.
2027 Award Call
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2026 - 11:59PM PST
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 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
EVALUATION
Rubrics for both research tracks are published and maintained on the IDEC grants page (and via the Apply button below)
APPLICATION
The special projects application requires the following:
· Proposal abstract (500-word maximum) describing the research initiative or activity- clearly addressing the research question/ideas, research project/design, contribution to the interior design field, and alignment with the IDEC mission and core values.
· 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 process.
Following the review, recipients will be notified of their assigned awards prior to the 2027 IDEC Annual Conference.
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 & Awards Chair with any questions:
Grant Coordinator: Anna Ruth Gatlin, [email protected]
Scholarship Coordinator: Rana Abudayyeh, [email protected]
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 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
EVALUATION
Rubrics for both research tracks are published and maintained on the IDEC grants page (and via the Apply button below)
APPLICATION
The special projects application requires the following:
· Proposal abstract (500-word maximum) describing the research initiative or activity- clearly addressing the research question/ideas, research project/design, contribution to the interior design field, and alignment with the IDEC mission and core values.
· 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 process.
Following the review, recipients will be notified of their assigned awards prior to the 2027 IDEC Annual Conference.
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 & Awards Chair with any questions:
Grant Coordinator: Anna Ruth Gatlin, [email protected]
Scholarship Coordinator: Rana Abudayyeh, [email protected]
I have reviewed the obligations associated with this award
