Cotton in the Curriculum Grant Program

Cotton Incorporated is a not-for-profit company whose mission is to increase the demand for and profitability of cotton through research and promotion. Because cotton is one of the world’s most important fibers, the company sponsors the Cotton in the Curriculum (CIC) Grant Program. The overarching goal of the CIC Grant Program is to support faculty teaching in the fields of fiber, textiles, apparel, fashion design, or merchandising to develop coursework, class projects, and experiences that help students learn more about cotton and cotton products.

For the 2025 CIC Program, Cotton Incorporated is requesting proposals for two unique tracks:

Track 1: Cotton Education Innovation Grants

Funding Range: $10,000–40,000

Goal: Further understanding and knowledge about cotton among students preparing for careers in the apparel and textiles industry.

Objective: Provide funding to develop comprehensive educational programming that demonstrates a commitment to educating emerging professionals in cotton design and product development, and cotton’s role in the global textile and apparel supply chain.

Apply if you want to:

• Create immersive and multifaceted opportunities for students to learn about, and experience cotton
• Provide experiential and project-based learning opportunities
• Enhance the curriculum beyond what is currently offered and significantly integrate CottonWorks™ resources and information

Track 2: Cotton Materials Mini-Grants

Funding Range: Up to $8,000

Goal: Promote and encourage experience with cotton materials among apparel, fashion, and textile students.

Objective: Provide funding for cotton-dominant raw materials, project supplies, and student awards to support textile, product, fashion design, product development, and merchandising projects.

Apply if you want to:

• Enhance student learning and experience with cotton
• Reduce student burden to purchase raw materials and supplies
• Recognize outstanding student work
• Obtain funding support for cotton fabrics, materials, and supplies (not equipment)

Eligibility

U.S. university and college faculty in the fields of fiber, textiles, apparel, fashion design, or merchandising are invited to submit proposals. Preference will be given to programs that place a significant number of graduates in textiles, apparel, and related merchandising positions with U.S. brand and retail companies.

New for 2025: Faculty project leads may only submit one proposal, but may be listed as supporting faculty on multiple proposals.

Multi-university proposals will not be considered. Faculty project leads and supporting faculty must be at the same college/university.

How to Apply to Any Grant Track

Submit a proposal by accessing the submission portal.  The proposal application includes a questionnaire about the project and will require you to upload a proposal file (PDF files only). A separate proposal is required for each grant track, and each grant track has specific requirements.

Before applying for the grant, inform the contracts and grants office or the business office at your college or university. You will be asked to provide their name and contact information in the proposal.

Your proposal must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, July 10, 2024.

• Proposal due: July 10, 2024
• Project leaders notified of funding decision: On or before October 1, 2024
• Project orientation meetings with project leaders: November 2024–January 2025

Applicants are encouraged to visit Cotton Incorporated’s websites for additional information about Cotton Incorporated, cotton production, processing, products, and innovations (cottoninc.com and cottonworks.com). The program is administered by Cotton Incorporated under the Importer Support Program of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program.

Questions should be directed to cottoneducation@cottoninc.com.