Grants

The New York Fashion Innovation Center (NYFIC) is now accepting applications for Round Four of its statewide grant program. The program supports New York-based businesses and organizations working to advance and scale sustainable textile development for fashion and interiors. This opportunity is part of NYFIC’s biannual grant program, awarding through 2027, and focused on strengthening New York-produced materials and industry.

Submit completed applications by Monday, June 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

To learn more and ask questions, join our virtual Q&A session on May 4 from 12–1 p.m. ET. Register here. View previous grant awardees.

GRANT AREAS OF FOCUS

NYFIC awards grants that advance environmentally sustainable innovations using fibers and materials grown, processed, or made in New York State across five key areas:

• Fiber Cultivation and Processing  – Strengthening New York agriculture by expanding environmentally sustainable cultivation and processing of plant and animal fiber and botanical dyes.

• Next-Generation Biomaterials and Manufacturing – Developing bio-based and biomanufactured feedstocks and materials, with an emphasis on New York-sourced inputs and in-state production.

• Textile Supply Chain and Infrastructure Development – Building the facilities, and acquiring/developing the equipment and logistics needed to move New York fibers sustainably from farm and lab to finished product.

• Sustainable Yarn and Textile Material Development – Developing commercially relevant yarns, fabrics, felts, or other textile materials using New York–sourced fibers that can support broader adoption across the fashion and interiors industries.

• Sustainable Fashion and Interior Design Industry Uses – Creating apparel, accessories, and home products that highlight New York-grown and processed fibers and materials.

Possible projects include: Creating commercially viable yarns or textile materials using New York–sourced fibers; developing new fashion or home décor products made with fiber raised in New York; establishing or scaling up clean processing for natural fibers; producing New York-grown feedstocks for biomanufactured materials; and addressing supply chain or manufacturing gaps that strengthen New York’s textile economy.

Please note: Basic science research will not be funded.

FUNDING DETAILS

• Grant Amount: Up to $10,000 per recipient

• In addition to funding, grant recipients will join a collaborative cohort of innovators with access to relevant mentorship, testing and manufacturing equipment, facilities, and other resources to advance their projects.

ELIGIBILTY

NYFIC accepts applications from New York State–based businesses and organizations, including but not limited to farmers, researchers, manufacturers, designers, brands, retailers, and educators, for projects conducted primarily in New York. Applicants must apply through an eligible entity. 

NYFIC welcomes participation from all eligible applicants, including military veterans, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. 

Applicants may submit one application per round. 

Collaborative applications are allowed; however, the maximum award per project is $10,000. 

Political and religious uses of funds are not allowed. 

RPI and NYFIC members and their organizations should refer to NYFIC’s Grants Conflict of Interest Policy for eligibility information.