Grants & Awards
SDA is committed to supporting the efforts of its members to realize their creative goals and positively impact the world of textiles, fibers and surface design. SDA provides an array of grants and awards to support members as they demonstrate excellence in the studio, engage in professional development, create exhibition opportunities and events, or engage in practices or that positively impact their community.
Be sure to read Award and Grant Guidelines before completing your application.
The following awards are given to SDA members who have shown excellence in the field of textile arts.
Artist in Residence
Award of Excellence
Community Support Fund
Outstanding Student Award
Creative Promise Award
Educator Grant
Small Event Grant
Personal Development Grant
SDA Grant Report
Questions about SDA Awards & Grants?
Artist In Residence
Awarded once a year to support one artist in their studio and professional practice.
Deadline: August 15, 2025
Application & Guidelines: Artist in Residence Program
Award of Excellence
Awarded to increase awareness of SDA mission by recognizing innovative work in textile and fiber media to artists who have work in current exhibitions.
Deadline: Ongoing
Guidelines: Award of Excellence Guidelines
Application
Community Support Fund
SDA’s Community Support Fund is made possible through generous contributions from members who have experienced the benefits of being part of the SDA community and who want to “pay it forward” to those facing barriers to membership.
Rolling deadline; applications reviewed on the first of each month
Application
Outstanding Student Award
Awarded to increase awareness of SDA mission by rewarding innovative work in textile and fiber media by student artists.
Deadline: April 1
Outstanding Student Award Guidelines
Selection Form (for educators)
Creative Promise Award
Awarded once a year to two outstanding students for excellence in a body of work in the amount of $500 each. (Funds may vary from year to year.)
Deadline: Postponed, please check back after July 1, 2025
Guidelines: Creative Promise Award
Application
Educator Grant
Awarded to SDA member educators to foster excellence in fields related to fibers and textiles.
Deadline: Postponed, please check back after July 1, 2025
Guidelines: Educator Grant Guidelines
Application
Small Event Grant
Awarded to support program-related expenses for local / regional SDA member events and exhibitions.
Deadlines: Postponed, please check back after July 1, 2025
Guidelines: Small Event Grants
Application
Personal Development Grant
Awarded to support an SDA member’s creative development, scholarship and research.
Deadlines: Postponed, please check back after July 1, 2025
Guidelines: Personal Development Guidelines
Application
SDA Grant Report
Recipients of SDA grants are required to submit a final report within one month of completion of the project.
Questions about SDA Awards & Grants?
Please contact: awardsadministrator@surfacedesign.org