AHFA's Furniture Foundation Supports Education

The American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) Furniture Foundation has awarded $67,000 in educational grants for 2026. The funding continues the foundation's longstanding commitment to supporting programs that prepare students and professionals for successful careers in the home furnishings industry.

Community college workforce development programs remained the Furniture Foundation's largest area of investment this year, receiving a combined $47,000 in grants for student scholarships, training and workforce development.

The Furniture Academy at Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) received $37,000 -including $30,000 for student scholarships and $7,000 for equipment and supplies - to provide hands-on training opportunities that prepare students for careers in furniture manufacturing. The Furniture Academy has consistently maintained exceptional job placement rates while helping supply skilled workers to North Carolina furniture manufacturers.

The Furniture Technology Institute at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) received $10,000 to support student scholarships, equipment and workforce development initiatives. The program introduces students to careers in upholstery, sewing, furniture construction and other manufacturing disciplines while helping address the industry's ongoing workforce needs.

AHFA's Furniture Foundation has supported the furniture design curriculum at Appalachian State University for more than two decades. This year, the foundation renewed its annual $12,000 commitment to the university's nationally recognized furniture design program, which offers a bachelor of science degree in industrial design focused on product development, manufacturing processes and environmental sustainability. Graduates of the program continue to make significant contributions throughout the home furnishings industry.

Finally, the foundation awarded $8,000 to WithIt in support of its annual Professional Conference. The grant funds registration and travel expenses for industry women who are entrepreneurs or independent contractors, helping expand access to leadership development and networking opportunities.

Established in 1948, AHFA's Furniture Foundation supports initiatives that advance management, manufacturing and marketing throughout the home furnishings industry. Since 1990, the Foundation has distributed more than $4.5 million in grants to educational institutions and organizations that share its mission of strengthening the industry's future through education, workforce development and professional leadership.

Information about applying for Furniture Foundation grants or making a contribution to support the foundation's mission is available on AHFA's website.