CFDA launches new grant programs to strengthen American fashion manufacturing
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has announced two new funding initiatives aimed at supporting U.S. fashion manufacturing, workforce development, and long-term industry growth. Developed in partnership with Ralph Lauren Corporation and public-sector partners, the programs focus on modernizing production, expanding services, and building resilience across key apparel-producing regions.
The initiatives include the CFDA x NY Forward Grant Fund, focused on New York City’s Garment District, and the U.S. Fashion Manufacturing Fund, which will support manufacturers across the country. Together, they reflect a coordinated effort to sustain local production while addressing national manufacturing needs.
Building on a decade of manufacturing support
These new programs build on the CFDA’s Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI), launched in 2013 with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Andrew Rosen, and long-term support from Ralph Lauren. Since its launch, FMI has provided grants to 54 factories and supported more than 2,000 jobs. Ralph Lauren has contributed $2 million to the initiative as its Premier Underwriter.
“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.”
CFDA x NY Forward Grant Fund
The CFDA x NY Forward Grant Fund is being developed with funding from the New York State Department of State and Ralph Lauren Corporation. The program is designed to support fashion manufacturers based in New York City’s Garment District, as well as designers who produce in-house.
Grants will be awarded through two funding rounds, scheduled for 2026 and 2027. Recipients will be able to invest in equipment upgrades, expand production capacity, and strengthen their operations while helping to preserve local jobs in one of the country’s most historic fashion districts.
In each funding round, one manufacturer will also receive the Ralph Lauren Manufacturing Award. This recipient will receive the full grant amount in recognition of a strong approach to advancing their business.
U.S. Fashion Manufacturing Fund
The U.S. Fashion Manufacturing Fund, created with Ralph Lauren as Founding Partner, will extend support beyond New York beginning in 2027. Running through 2029, the program will provide partially matching grants to manufacturers across key regions including California, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Florida, and others.
The fund will focus on investments in machinery, software, and workforce training. Grants will cover 80 percent of each award, with participating companies contributing the remaining 20 percent.
“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.”
A combined national and local approach
Taken together, the two programs signal a coordinated effort to support both the New York Garment District and apparel manufacturing across the U.S. By combining public funding, private investment, and industry expertise, the CFDA aims to help manufacturers adapt to changing market needs while maintaining skilled jobs and local production capacity.
