Residence:Applicants must be living in the city limits of Detroit, MI. It is preferable that their brand, capsule collection, or project also be based within the city limits of Detroit.

Age:Applicants must be 18 years or older.

Grant Use:Grant must be used to advance an independently owned brand, capsule collection, or project in the clothing or accessories category, with proof of progress within 12 months of fund dispersal.

Sustainability:Applicants must prioritize reducing their environmental impact and highlight any sustainable and socially responsible practices incorporated into their production process or the project funded by the grant.

Application Limit:Each brand or individual is eligible to submit one application per grant cycle.

Proposal Integrity:We prioritize proposals that are written with an authentic voice and perspective. Proposals that are primarily AI-generated will be dismissed.

Each year, panelists are selected to represent a wide range of expertise among local industry leaders. The 2026 panelists are:

· Aki Choklat | Linda Dresner Endowed Chair in Fashion Design, College for Creative Studies

· Eric Hardin | Founder, Today Clothing

· Roslyn Karamoko | Retail Strategist & Founder, Détroit is the New Black

· Tracy Reese | Founder & Creative Director, Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese

· Monika Sinclair | Professor of Teaching, Fashion Design & Merchandising, Wayne State University

· Ken Walker | Founder & Head of Design, K. Walker Collective®

· Jonathan West | Product Innovation Senior Manager, Carhartt Global Product Innovation

Panelists will judge the selected applications and will dedicate one (1) one-on-one mentorship session with the first place recipient at a mutually agreed upon time over the course of the 12-month period.

1. Submit Application: All applications must include the following information:

· Biography: Submit a biography of yourself and your brand or work in a PDF file (up to 500 words) or a video file (up to 2 minutes).

· Project Proposal: Submit a written summary (up to 1500 words) of your brand, capsule collection, or project proposal, incorporating sustainability, feasibility, and a detailed outline of fund usage. AI-generated responses will not be considered. Alternatively, applicants may submit a video (up to 8 minutes) outlining your brand and project proposal instead of a written proposal.

· Visual Reference: Upload 5–10 images (sketches, renderings, etc.) that showcase the project’s potential and how the grant would be used.

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2. Review Process: A panel of local industry leaders, designers, and educators will review all applications based on the following criteria:

· Design: How is thoughtful, innovative design incorporated into the proposed project or brand? What audience is this project or brand desirable for?

· Quality and care: How is the project functional for its intended goal? How much time and consideration went into developing the proposed project and project budget?

· Impact: How does the project have a positive impact? What does that impact look like? Is it environmental, social, academic, etc.?

· Feasibility: How feasible is it for this project to be completed, and within what time constraints and financial budget provided? Is the outlined product and budget for the project possible and practical? Was research done on real cost analysis?

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3. Final Round: The selected 5 finalists will present their proposals in person to the panel at a date to be announced. Finalists must attend in person to be considered.

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4. Recipient Announcement: After the final round of proposal presentations, three recipients will be selected and awarded first, second, and third place grants.

For 2026, the eugenie Designer Grant in partnership with Song United will award a total of $20,000 across three recipients.

First Place:

$10,000 Grant: The first place recipient will receive a grant of $10,000 USD to pursue their project proposal as outlined in their application.

Mentorship: The first place recipient will have the opportunity, over the 12-month period following the winner announcement, to receive one (1) one-on-one mentorship session with each panelist.

Showcase Opportunity: Upon completion of the project, the first place recipient will have the opportunity to present their work at an event hosted by eugenie. This event will be scheduled on a mutually agreed upon date within one year of being awarded the grant.

Second Place:

$6,000 Grant: The second place recipient will receive a grant of $6,000 USD to pursue their project proposal as outlined in their application.

Third Place:

$4,000 Grant: The third place recipient will receive a grant of $4,000 USD to pursue their project proposal as outlined in their application.