U.S. Fashion Manufacturing Fund

U.S. Fashion Manufacturing Fund is sponsored by Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Ralph Lauren. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

CFDA Introduces Grant Initiatives to Sustain the Garment District and Support U.S. Fashion Manufacturing - CFDA CFDA Introduces Grant Initiatives to Sustain the Garment District and Support U.S. Fashion Manufacturing The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) today announced two new initiatives designed to strengthen American fashion manufacturing, drive innovation, support workforce development, and promote economic growth in key apparel-producing regions across the country.

The CFDA x NY Forward Grant Fund , developed with funding from both the New York State Department of State and Ralph Lauren Corporation (Ralph Lauren), will provide partially matching grants to designers and manufacturers based in New York City’s Garment District. The U.S. Fashion Manufacturing Fund , created with Ralph Lauren as founding partner, will support apparel manufacturers nationwide.

Both programs aim to help companies to modernize equipment, expand services, and train workers – building the capacity and resilience of American fashion manufacturing. These programs build on the success of the CFDA’s Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI), launched in 2013 in affiliation with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Andrew Rosen, and with the long-term support of Ralph Lauren, among others.

To date, Ralph Lauren has contributed $2 million as FMI’s Premier Underwriter, enabling grants to 54 factories and positively impacting more than 2,000 jobs. “Strengthening American manufacturing to ensure designers have local partners has long been at the core of CFDA’s mission,” said Steven Kolb, CEO and President of the CFDA.

“We are proud to extend our decade-plus work with Ralph Lauren Corporation and expand to a national level while also continuing our local NYC investments alongside our first-ever partnership with the New York State Department of State.

” Together, these new grant programs mark a landmark commitment: sustaining New York’s Garment District while bolstering U.S. manufacturing nationwide — ensuring that American fashion continues to lead globally through innovation, craftsmanship and community.

“Our expanded partnership with the CFDA reflects Ralph Lauren’s enduring commitment to advancing innovation and supporting American fashion,” said Katie Ioanilli, Chief Global Impact & Communications Officer, Ralph Lauren Corporation. “This is not only an investment in our industry — it’s an investment in a vital part of American culture that we share with the world.

” Pictured: Linda Eun of Dream Fashion, a recipient of the 2024 FMI Grant Fund, with model Adarni Karina in a Bibhu Mohapatra dress produced locally in New York City’s Garment District, photographed by Alex Justimbaste New York City Economic Development Corporation Ron Chereskin Honors Horace Gifford With Commemorative Flag The Official NYFW Bridal April 2026 Application is Now Open Keep up-to-date with all the latest news from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

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