IIDA CATALYST GRANT

What could your chapter achieve if you had the opportunity for supplemental funding? With regional needs so varied, IIDA Headquarters has created a program to support our chapters however they need. IIDA wants to fund programs that drive our chapters forward, enrich the organization, and promote our mission of advancing excellence in interior design. The IIDA Catalyst Grant is designed to spark growth and provide the resources to bring chapter goals to fruition.

Chapters can apply under the following categories:

• Membership – Do you want to run a member recruitment drive or retention activity?
• Education – Do you want to bring in a speaker series? Will you host more CEU courses? Do you want to send your members to conferences?
• Branding – Do you want to hire a graphic designer to create new materials to promote your chapter? Do you want to hire a videographer to cover a signature chapter event?
• Leadership – Is there a leadership development program in your area that you’ve always wanted to take? Alternatively, has your chapter wanted to start a leadership development program?
• GYST – Also known as “General Yearly Substantive Tasks.” Does your chapter need support to get organizational basics right? Do you have a unique challenge that you need help with?
• Advocacy - Do you have an advocacy program or initiative? Is your chapter interested in hosting educational events, develop tools to make Members better advocates for the profession, and/or provide opportunities to supplement costs for pursuing legislative initiatives?
• EDI - Any EDI initiative, program, course, etc. that impacts equity, diversity, and inclusion in design.

Application Guidelines & Eligibility

To be eligible for the 2024 Catalyst Grant, your chapter must have not deferred a 2025 Catalyst Grant, and all 2024 grants must be successfully closed out.

Each applying chapter can request up to $7,500 for their program or project.

Here are some key dates to keep in mind:

Application Open Date: October 7, 2024
Application Close Date: December 4, 2024
First Disbursement of 2025 Grant Monies: By January 31, 2025

FAQs
How can my chapter use the Catalyst Grant?
Your chapter can apply for a grant to fund any program that enriches your chapter. Grant funds should not be used as general operating dollars, or for any project or program outside of which you originally applied.

How will my chapter be held accountable for the Catalyst Grant money?
Grant money will be disbursed in two installments, each comprising half the amount of the approved grant. Chapters that are awarded money will receive the first half of the disbursement by the end of January 2025. Chapters will be required to submit a brief mid-year report detailing their progress towards a stated goal. The second half of the grant funds will be reimbursed after receipt of the End of Program Report. All receipts must be submitted with the End of Program Report to receive reimbursement.

Who will determine if my chapter receives a grant?
An evaluating committee of former chapter leaders will review the applications and determine disbursement amounts.

Will my chapter be able to receive feedback from the evaluation committee?
Yes. The evaluation committee may give feedback or answer additional questions, however, all feedback will be at the discretion of the committee.

How will project information be shared with chapters?
Project information will be shared during the grant process by the Headquarters staff liaison. As projects begin to be implemented, chapters may be asked to present on them to the Chapter Leadership Council (CLC).

How many times can my chapter apply for the Catalyst Grant per year?
Chapters may submit one application with one project to be funded during each grant cycle.

Is this an annual grant program?
Yes.

For more information reach out to Aleida Clincy, Chapter Relations Manager, at aclincy@iida.org.