Designs for Dignity

SELECTION: Organization awarded. Designs for Dignity’s Impact Grant Committee reviews the application, conducts a site-visit, and evaluates the project scope feasibility.


ENGAGEMENT: Project programming. The volunteer design team is assembled, and introduced to the non-profit. A site survey & programming interviews are conducted.


EXPLORATION: Schematic design. The scope of work appropriate within the non-profit’s available budget is investigated. Test fit plans & design concepts are developed.


DEVELOPMENT: Design development. The final budget & scope of work is realized. Construction drawings are created, and RFPs go out to architects, builders, & dealers.


IMPLEMENTATION: Construction buildout. The final design has been approved by the non-profit organization, and all partners for the project have been selected by the team.


EVALUATION: Completion celebration. Designs for Dignity works with the non-profit around Open House events, professional interior photography, and testimonials.

WHY WE EXIST: Designs for Dignity was founded on the belief that every individual should have access to environments that support the wellness of the human spirit. Design is a transformational force in human life. Our physical surroundings directly impact how we feel, react, aspire, and engage. Spaces of hope, dignity, and comfort are foundations for nurturing the growth and success of every human being.

HOW WE DO IT: We harness the combined power of pro bono design, construction talent and donated materials to breathe new life into existing nonprofit spaces giving them the platform from which they can better serve individuals in their focus mission. We collaboratively design human-centric spaces rooted in the needs of each organization.

HOW WE WORK: It starts with a team. Interior designers, architects, and other industry professionals donate time to create healing environments for our service grant recipients. Manufacturers, vendors, craftsmen, clients, and showrooms provide furnishings and materials that are reused in the spaces. Individuals and community advocates round out our team to implement and carry through our mission for each project.

Designs for Dignity was founded on the belief that every individual should have access to environments that support the wellness of the human spirit. Limited resources often prevent non-profits from creating environments that preserve dignity for the people they service. A Designs for Dignity Impact Grant provides pro-bono services from interior designers to non-profit organizations seeking to transform their physical spaces, empowering them to better service their constituents.

Designs for Dignity has a rolling application cycle with applications reviewed quarterly. A Designs for Dignity Impact Grant is NOT a financial grant. We provide the following pro-bono DESIGN services: Interior Design • Lighting Design • Graphic Design • Landscape Design

Designs for Dignity is celebrating 20+ years of commitment to creating restorative environments for nonprofit service organizations and at-risk populations. Our mission aims to serve marginalized communities by harnessing the talents and resources of the design community at large to provide spaces that inspire hope and dignity as well as interaction and engagement. Using the power of design, we have positively impacted hundreds of thousands of lives by transforming 250+ nonprofit spaces and leveraging $17+ million in pro-bono design services & donated materials.