Make money doing the work you believe in
15 sustainable fashion awards & grants to apply to 🌍
Sustainable fashion is hard.
So when there’s a chance to be celebrated or to get a bit of help along the way, you take it.
Here are 15 awards and grants that support designers, brands, and sustainability teams:
UFS Sustainable Designers Contest (January)
Global contest for sustainable fashion work by designers, brands, students, and creatives.
British Fashion Council Ă— Vogue Designer Fashion Fund (January)
Funding and mentoring for UK-based emerging designers, with sustainability as part of the assessment.
Positive Luxury Awards 2026 (January)
Recognizes luxury fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands with strong impact.
Engage for Good Halo Awards (February 24)
Honors established brands with mature CSR programs.
Visa x Global Fashion Agenda: Recycle the Runway (February 28)
Supports Europe-based fashion businesses rethinking circular design.
New York Fashion Innovation Center (NYFIC) Sustainable Textile Innovation Grant (April 13)
Grant for NY-based fashion, textile, and materials projects improving fibers or supply chains.
Zalando Design Academy (May)
Support program for designers and brands working on sustainable design.
Textile Exchange Climate & Nature Impact Awards (Mid-year)
Recognizes brands and organizations showing measurable progress on climate and nature.
Future Icons Awards (July)
Celebrates emerging designers and brands creating positive change.
CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards (September)
Honors brands and designers advancing sustainability.
Zalando Visionary Award (October)
Supports designers and brands meeting CPHFW sustainability requirements with bold, future-focused design.
Drapers Conscious Fashion Awards (October)
Recognizes brands and innovators making progress on sustainability.
Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) & Bezos Earth Fund – Next Thread Initiative (TBD)
Funding and support for designers and brands developing sustainable materials and fashion solutions.
Fashion Pioneers Awards (TBD)
Supports European fashion and textile pioneers driving systemic change.
LVMH Prize (Varies)
Global prize offering funding and mentorship to emerging designers.
Bonus (not sustainability-first, but still useful)
CFDA x NY Forward Grant Fund (March 3)
Support for NYC designers and manufacturers upgrading equipment and capacity.
TIME Best Inventions (May)
Recognizes innovation, including in fashion.
👇 Any you would add?
