2026 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise
Deadline: June 9, 2025
Submission Fee: Free
ELIGIBILITY
Have been born outside the United States of America to non-American parents;
Not be more than 38 years old as of December 31, 2025 (born on or after January 1, 1987), Exceptions will be made for applicants who were born on January 1, 1985, to December 31, 1986, and who experienced career interruptions due to caregiving, medical, military, or parental leave;
Have lived in the United States for at least 4 years (or immigrated to the United States on or before December 31, 2021);
Be one of the following: a naturalized citizen or a permanent resident of the United States; a H-1B or O-1 visa holder with a valid visa stamp; a H-4 visa holder with a valid EAD card; a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) relief; an asylee or an asylum seeker who has applied for asylum and has a valid EAD card. Please note that other types of visas including TN, F-1, J-1 visa holders are not eligible for the prize. Applicants may be required to submit a scanned copy of a valid immigration document if their application progresses in the review process. The staff at the Vilcek Foundation will reach out with instructions at the appropriate time;
Have at least 5 years of professional experience in fields related to Fashion & Design or Fashion & Culture;
Not be enrolled as a full-time student (Exceptions may apply for some doctoral students who will complete their program this year);
Have completed at least 3 professional, implemented solo or collective projects;
Intend to pursue a career in the United States;
Not be a past recipient of the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in any category.
About the grant: The Vilcek Foundation will award six Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in the amount of $50,000 in two categories: Fashion & Design and Fashion & Culture. In each category, three young immigrant fashion professionals who demonstrate outstanding early achievement in their field will individually receive an unrestricted cash prize of $50,000.
ELIGIBLE CATEGORIES
Fashion & Design:
Designers
Environmental and Technology Designers
Materials Innovators
Makeup Artists / Hair Stylists
Fashion & Culture:
Writers and Researchers
Curators and Museum Professionals
Stylists
Image Makers
AWARDS
The Vilcek Foundation will award six Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in the amount of $50,000 in two categories: Fashion & Design and Fashion & Culture. In each category, three young immigrant fashion professionals who demonstrate outstanding early achievement in their field will individually receive an unrestricted cash prize of $50,000.
