2025 independent projects grants

The Independent Projects grant program is a partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and The Architectural League of New York, awarding grants for New York State-based individuals and teams to explore a design topic through creation or research.

For the 2025 cycle, this program will award 25 grants of $10,000 to proposals in design fields including architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, biodesign, community-centered design, fashion, graphic, industrial, and interior design.

Continuing a successful collaboration since 2022, the League and NYSCA are pleased to offer the Independent Projects grant program for 2025. The League will directly receive all applications and, together with NYSCA, will convene a panel of experts in design who will evaluate submissions and select projects for funding. Read on for an overview of the program and requirements, and download the complete 2025 Program Guidelines for full information on general requirements, eligibility, and the application process.

Program goals

For many years, both NYSCA and the League have supported diverse and creative explorations in design. Recognizing design as an art form that can enhance our quality of life, Independent Projects seeks proposals that emphasize artistry, that may contribute to a broader understanding of design, and/or that advance a design discipline. Imperatively, design must be at the core of any proposal, and the outcome must be accessible to the public. Projects might create a design prototype, develop new strategies of community-based design, research a topic in design history, or engage in critical or theoretical analysis, to name just some of the many possible approaches.