Fashion Scholarship Fund

What Fashion Scholarship Fund does

The Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF), founded in 1937 and headquartered in New York City, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates the leading U.S. fashion education and workforce development pipeline. Its core mechanism is an annual Case Study Scholarship competition in which roughly 160 students from 120+ universities — including 16 HBCUs and 6 HSIs — compete for over $1.9 million in scholarship funding across 100+ brand-named awards, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 (community college) to $10,000 (standard Named Scholarships) plus a $25,000 Chairman's Award at the flagship FSF LIVE gala.

The supporting technology stack is modest: applications are processed through a Wizehive portal, and educational content is delivered via FSF University, an online learning platform hosted on Arizona State University's Canvas LMS that provides Case Study preparation resources to any student regardless of school affiliation. The platform is not proprietary AI/ML technology — it is an off-the-shelf LMS extension serving a structured scholarship program, supplemented by a ten-week Summer Scholar Series of virtual Master Classes and Workforce Preparedness Courses.

FSF's business model is a hybrid nonprofit revenue stack: corporate brand sponsorships underwriting Named Scholarships (SKIMS, Nordstrom, Macy's Jeff Gennette Program, LVMH, PVH, Levi Strauss & Co., Eric Emanuel, Cactus Jack, Kurt Geiger, and the Virgil Abloh Estate, among others), individual donations via a GiveLively donation portal, and event revenue from the annual FSF LIVE gala (750+ attendees in 2026) and ancillary industry events. Distribution runs through 75+ member university partners who act as Educator referral points, a self-serve application portal, and dedicated Talent Acquisition Events where corporate sponsors recruit Scholars and Alumni for internships and full-time roles. A mentorship program matching Scholars with 600+ industry professionals from mid-level to C-suite completes the offering.

Name

Fashion Scholarship Fund

Legal name

Fashion Scholarship Fund

Website

https://fashionscholarshipfund.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1937

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Fashion Scholarship Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1937, that awards over $1.9 million annually across 100+ brand-sponsored scholarships to roughly 160 fashion students from 120+ U.S. universities, supported by mentorship, internships, and industry events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fashion Education & Workforce Development (Nonprofit Scholarship Services)

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Educational Support Services (6117), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Corporate & Employer-Sponsored Scholarships (EDAIAOAI), Field-of-Study & Discipline-Specific Funding (EDAIAOAD), Degree-Level Scholarships (Undergrad/Masters/PhD/Postdoc) (EDAIAOAE), Research & Science Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAI)

Keywords

• Fashion scholarships
• Workforce development
• Mentorship programs
• Higher education funding
• Fashion industry education

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate Sponsorships: Fashion brands and corporations sponsor Named Scholarships, providing $10,000 awards to selected Scholars. Partners include SKIMS, Nordstrom, Macy's, Eric Emanuel, and 100+ other brands. Sponsors also provide internship opportunities and mentoring.
2. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting fashion education and workforce development. Donation portal available at secure.givelively.org.
3. Gala Events: Annual FSF LIVE Gala generates revenue through table sales, individual tickets, and sponsor commitments. The 2026 event gathered more than 750 Scholars, Alumni, industry leaders, designers, and influencers in NYC.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) provides scholarships, mentorship, and career programming to U.S. undergraduate students pursuing fashion careers. Its flagship is the annual Case Study Scholarship competition, which awards $1.9 million+ each year across more than 100 Named Scholarships, complemented by one-on-one mentorship with 600+ fashion industry professionals, internship placement with partner brands, virtual Summer Scholar Series programming, and the annual FSF LIVE gala. Supporting programs include FSF University (an online learning platform hosted on ASU's Canvas), the Virgil Abloh "Post-Modern" Scholarship Fund, and the Community College Scholarship Program.

Product overview

Fashion Scholarship Fund operates as a unified platform offering fashion-oriented education and workforce development services. The core offering is the annual FSF Case Study Scholarship competition, which awards over $1.9 million yearly to talented fashion students. Supporting this are FSF University (an online learning platform hosted on ASU's Canvas), the Mentorship Program (matching students with 600+ industry professionals), and the Internship Program (providing career access through partner companies). Signature events include FSF LIVE (annual NYC gala featuring the $25,000 Chairman's Award) and the Summer Scholar Series (ten-week virtual programming). Specialized programs include Named Scholarships (100+ brand-partnered $10,000 awards with mentorship), the Virgil Abloh "Post-Modern" Scholarship Fund (60 annual $10,000 awards for Black/African American students), and the Community College Scholarship Program (supporting 2-year college students with job shadow experiences).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Virgil Abloh "Post-Modern" Scholarship Fund: A scholarship program created by Virgil Abloh at FSF in 2020, providing $10,000 scholarships to Black or African American undergraduates along with career support services.
• FSF University
• FSF LIVE

Products and services

• FSF Case Study Scholarship Annual scholarship competition featuring in-depth case study challenges that focus on real issues facing the fashion industry. Students submit solutions to industry-relevant problems across business strategy, design and product development, marketing, and merchandising. Awards total over $1.9 million annually across 100+ Named Scholarship programs, with $10,000 standard scholarships and $25,000 Chairman's Award for finalists.
• FSF University Online learning platform created by FSF to ensure all students — regardless of school affiliation — have equal access to educational resources that prepare them to complete the FSF Case Study. Hosted on Arizona State University's Canvas platform, with module checklists, self-paced assignments, video resources, and virtual office hours with FSF experts.
• FSF LIVE Annual Gala Annual awards gala held in New York City celebrating FSF Scholars, Alumni, and industry leaders. The event features live storytelling from finalists competing for the Chairman's Award ($25,000), FSF's highest honor, plus networking with industry executives. The 2026 event drew 750+ Scholars, Alumni, designers, and influencers.
• Mentorship Program One-on-one mentorship matching program connecting FSF Scholars with over 600 fashion industry professionals from mid-level to C-suite positions. Mentors provide career guidance, industry insights, and professional development support throughout the Scholar's academic tenure and into early career stages.
• Internship Program Career development program providing Scholars with access to internships and full-time job opportunities through FSF partner companies and corporate recruiters at Talent Acquisition Events. Connects emerging talent with brand partners such as SKIMS, Nordstrom, Macy's, LVMH, Levi Strauss & Co., Gap Inc., and UNIQLO.
• Named Scholarships Bespoke scholarship programs created in partnership with brands, foundations, and donors. Each provides $10,000 scholarships (with some $5,000 community college scholarships) along with mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities. Over 100 Named Scholarships were available in 2025 across partners including SKIMS, Nordstrom, Macy's, Eric Emanuel, Kurt Geiger, Cactus Jack Foundation, The VF Foundation, PVH, Levi Strauss & Co., and WHP Global.
• Virgil Abloh "Post-Modern" Scholarship Fund Special scholarship initiative created by Virgil Abloh in 2020, providing 60 scholarships of $10,000 each year to undergraduate students who identify as Black or African American, along with access to career support services, mentoring, and the FSF community.
• Community College Scholarship Program Scholarship program for students enrolled in community colleges, providing $5,000 scholarships and summer professional education including all-expense paid immersive job shadow experiences. Partnerships include The VF Foundation and PVH. Includes fashion industry immersion programs supporting transfer pathways to four-year institutions.
• Summer Scholar Series Ten-week virtual programming series consisting of Workforce Preparedness Courses (hard skills and best practices) and Master Classes (industry expert insights). Connects Scholars, Alumni, and applicants with fashion industry leaders including Robin Givhan, Edward Enninful, and Raul Lopez, plus partner brands such as LVMH, Gap Inc., and UNIQLO.

Quantifiable outcome

• $1.9 million+ awarded annually in scholarships across 100+ Named Scholarship programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, standard and minor.

• Arizona State UniversitycoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial learning management system partner for FSF University. ASU's Canvas platform hosts the online learning platform that provides educational resources for FSF applicants to prepare for the Case Study Competition.
• Virgil Abloh EstateflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated the Virgil Abloh 'Post-Modern' Scholarship Fund in 2020, awarding 60 scholarships of $10,000 each year to undergraduate students who identify as Black or African American, plus career support services.
• SKIMScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSix $10,000 scholarships awarded to students focused on ethically and sustainably adaptive clothing, textile innovation, and size inclusivity. Includes virtual internship program and week-long LA immersive.
• NordstromcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeven $10,000 scholarships for students focused on sustainability and responsible innovation. Recipients attend two-day immersive at Nordstrom's Seattle headquarters.
• Macy's, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJeff Gennette Scholarship Program: Nine $10,000 scholarships awarded to undergraduate students in collaboration with Macy's representatives, aligned with Mission Every One commitment to equity.
• Eric EmanuelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFive $10,000 scholarships with additional grant and apprenticeship opportunities for students with entrepreneurial ambition and cultural awareness. Includes quarterly mentoring sessions with Eric Emanuel.
• Kurt Geiger Kindness FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner$10,000 scholarship for undergraduate submitting top case study in business strategy, marketing, or merchandising. Includes two week-long internships at Kurt Geiger offices in NYC and London.
• Cactus Jack FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree $10,000 scholarships for students who may have launched or dream of launching their own brand. Includes access to Cact.us Design Center in Houston and Cactus Jack Design Ethos 101 online curriculum.
• The VF FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVF Foundation x FSF Community College Initiative launched in 2021. Twenty $5,000 scholarships for community college students including all-expense paid immersive 'job shadow' experience.
• PVHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPVH Forward Fashion x FSF: Nine $10,000 scholarships for undergraduates with keen interest in fashion industry. PVH x FSF Community College: Ten $5,000 scholarships with fashion industry immersion program.
• Levi Strauss & Co.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne $10,000 scholarship with internship opportunity at Levi Strauss & Co., awarded to student demonstrating interest in disciplines relevant to the company.
• WHP GlobalstandardStrategic or Co-development PartnerTwo $10,000 scholarships awarded to undergraduates selected in collaboration with key WHP Global representatives.
• LVMHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipates in FSF's Summer Scholar Series and Dream Role Ready recruiting events, providing talent acquisition access to FSF Scholars and Alumni.
• Gap Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipates in FSF's Summer Scholar Series and recruiting events, connecting with talented fashion students for internship and career opportunities.
• UNIQLOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipates in FSF recruiting events including Dream Role Ready session during Summer Scholar Series.
• Lingua FrancaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted FSF x Lingua Franca evening event at Lingua Franca Townhouse in NYC's West Village, bringing together industry leaders, FSF Alumni, and friends to celebrate next generation of fashion talent.
• Fairchild Media GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmanda Smith, CEO of Fairchild Media Group, serves as FSF Board President. FSF partners with WWD and Fairchild Media Group editors for Master Classes and editorial guidance programming.
• Member Universities (75+)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork of four-year colleges and universities including Parsons, FIT, SCAD, LIM College, and others. FSF Educator Partners at each school facilitate scholarship applications and program awareness. Includes 16 HBCUs and 6 HSIs.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• CFDA Foundation: The philanthropic arm of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, running fashion-education scholarships, awards, and industry pipeline programs for US design students. Closest direct comparable to FSF given shared fashion-industry education mission and corporate sponsorship model.
• FIT Foundation: The fundraising arm of the Fashion Institute of Technology, administering scholarships and industry programs for fashion students. Operates a Named-Scholarship-plus-mentorship model very similar to FSF, anchored to a top US fashion school.
• LIM College: New York-based fashion-focused college with a strong scholarship program and industry-partner pipeline for business and merchandising students. Closely comparable target population and partner-brand relationships to FSF.
• United Negro College Fund (UNCF): Largest US scholarship foundation serving HBCU students with corporate-sponsored Named Scholarships, mentorship, and career placement. Directly comparable as a scholarship-granting nonprofit with HBCU focus, intersecting FSF's Virgil Abloh 'Post-Modern' Fund mission.
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund: Major US scholarship foundation serving Hispanic students through corporate sponsorships and mentorship. Comparable as a scholarship-granting nonprofit with corporate funding and HSI-targeted programming that overlaps FSF's demographic focus.
• Point Foundation: US scholarship nonprofit providing multi-year scholarships, mentorship, and leadership programming to underrepresented students. Comparable structure—corporate/donor funded scholarships plus mentoring and community—though broader than fashion specifically.

Broad incumbents

• Parsons School of Design: Premier US fashion school within The New School, awarding its own scholarships and corporate Named Scholarships to fashion students. Comparable in target student and corporate-sponsor base, but as a degree-granting institution rather than a standalone scholarship nonprofit.
• Pratt Institute: Major US art and design college (including fashion design) with substantial corporate-funded scholarships and industry mentorship programs. Comparable scholar demographic and corporate sponsorship dynamics, though within a broader art/design portfolio.
• Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD): Large US art and design university with fashion majors and robust scholarship and industry-partnership programs. Comparable in scholar pipeline focus and corporate brand partnerships, but as a degree-granting institution.

Others

• Kering Foundation: Philanthropic arm of Kering luxury group, funding programs against violence against women and supporting sustainable fashion talent. Comparable as a luxury-industry-funded education/equity nonprofit adjacent to FSF's mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/fsf1937
• Facebookfacebook.com/FashionScholarshipFund
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fashionscholarshipfund
• Instagraminstagram.com/fashionscholarshipfund

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fashion Scholarship Fund