FIDM Scholarship Foundation Fact Sheet

Mission Statement
Scholarship Criteria
FIDM Scholarship Store
Community Charitable Partners
Staff
Contact Us
Benefactors

Mission Statement

The FIDM Scholarship Foundation was established in 1978 with the express mission of providing financial assistance to postsecondary students in their pursuit of a higher education degree in the creative industries of fashion, interior design, entertainment, and the digital arts.

The FIDM Scholarship Foundation works to help all eligible students achieve their passion for a creative and challenging career.

The FIDM Scholarship Foundation goals and objectives are to…

Generate funds for scholarships.
Provide financial assistance to eligible students.
Recognize industry contributions to the Foundation.
Offer recognition to noteworthy students and potential students.
Maintain the highest standards in the allocation of financial assistance.
Assist the community with clothing donations through charitable contributions.

Scholarship Criteria

The donated merchandise generates funds to provide scholarships from $1,000 to $5,000 to students who show financial need and meet the special criteria of the Allocation Committee.

Selection is competitive in nature and is based on demonstrated academic performance, job achievements, financial need, and potential success as shown in the student’s application, essays, portfolio, and personal references.

FIDM Scholarship Store

Besides generating funds for scholarships, the FIDM Scholarship Store also benefits students by giving them jobs in the store, creating a unique “students helping students” retail approach. Because of its ever-changing selection and great prices, the store has become a favorite shopping destination. It is frequently featured in bargain hunting guides and on television as one of downtown LA’s best shopping finds.

The FIDM Scholarship Store was recently voted by the readers of Downtown Daily News as “Best Store/Boutique in Los Angeles.”

What to Donate

We accept a wide range of donations, so if you are not sure about particular merchandise, just call us. Please donate only new merchandise, apparel, rolls of fabric, trim, etc.

The FIDM Scholarship Foundation is a not-for-profit organization allowing you to deduct the value of the donation on your taxes, following IRS guidelines. A receipt recognizing your donation will be issued at the time the donation is received.

How to Donate

Phone us for a pick-up: 213.624.1200 extension 2617
- Nicki Anderson
Email us for a pick-up:
- Nicki Anderson: nanderson@fidmscholarship.org
Send it yourself: Deliver or send the merchandise to:
- The FIDM Scholarship Foundation, Inc.
- Attn: Nicki Anderson
- 919 South Grand Avenue
- Los Angeles, CA 90015

Store Hours

Monday–Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Store hours subject to change.

Community Charitable Partners

The FIDM Scholarship Foundation annually donates large quantities of merchandise to numerous deserving charities, our Community Charitable Partners.

As recipients of our philanthropic support, these organizations provide social services and outreach programs throughout Southern California.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's 999 for Kids program
Downtown Women's Center
University of Southern California Violence Intervention Program
St John's Angels
Best Foot Forward
United Way of Greater Los Angeles
Hammer Foundation
Narbonne High School Fashion Club
So. California Goodwill
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
National Council of Jewish Women
Chrysalis
LAUSD
Meals on Wheels
Out of the Closet
St. Annes Foundation
Goodwill

Staff

Director—Ella Van Nort
Assistant Director—Nicki Anderson
Store Manager— Alex Martino

The FIDM Scholarship Foundation performs the following tasks with the dedication and assistance of three groups of student interns:

A Scholarship Research Team explores scholarships available through sources other than those provided by the Foundation and FIDM by contacting various outside organizations via the internet and through personal contact.
The FIDM Store Team assists with the daily operation of the FIDM Scholarship Store. They open the store, assist with customer service, conduct sales transactions, organize the store, execute visual displays, etc.
The Industry Liaison Team contacts the industry members to request merchandise donations for the Scholarship Store. Interns also research new sources of donations and generate a current database.

Benefactors

FIDM Scholarship Foundation Benefactors are those donors in the apparel industry who support our fund-raising efforts with donations of clothing, etc.

Here is a partial list of FIDM Scholarship Benefactors: