Major U.S. Textile Associations & Foundations
1. Textile Society of America (TSA)
- Type: International nonprofit (501(c)(3))
- Focus: Exchange of textile knowledge—artistic, cultural, technical, historical
- Members: ~700+ including curators, artists, scholars
- Activities: Bi-annual symposium, workshops, newsletters, research grants Wikipedia+15textilesocietyofamerica.org+15ncto.org+15hmfoundation.comWikipedia+1Vogue Business+1
2. North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF)
- Type: University foundation (supporting NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles)
- Focus: Scholarships, research, equipment, faculty development
- Impact: Over $50M funded; 100+ annual scholarships WIRED+4Wilson College of Textiles+4LinkedIn+4
3. National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)
- Type: Industry trade association
- Focus: Advocacy and representation of U.S. textile manufacturers at federal level
- Roles: Policy work, regulatory engagement, sector-specific events ncto.orgTrade.gov
4. American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)
- Type: Professional association (501(c)(6))
- Focus: Research, testing methods, color standards, quality control
- Activities: Test method development, journals, global membership LinkedIn+11Wikipedia+11itaaonline.org+11
5. American Textile Machinery Association (ATMA)
- Type: Trade association
- Focus: Textile machinery, parts, and innovation
- Founded: 1933; supports networking and equipment exhibitions Ellen MacArthur Foundation+11Vogue Business+11Textile Rental Services Association+11Wilson College of Textiles+15American Textile Machinery Association+15CT Insider+15
6. Advanced Textiles Association (ATA)
- Type: Specialty fabrics trade group
- Focus: Technical textiles for various industries (medical, industrial, architectural)
- Membership: 1,400+ companies, educational programs, conventions CT Insider+2Advanced Textiles Association+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia
7. Southern Textile Association (STA)
- Type: Regional nonprofit
- Focus: Networking and professional development in the textile industry
- Founded: 1908; hosts regional events and industry forums Textile Rental Services Association+14Wikipedia+14Foundation Center Online+14
8. Handweavers Guild of America (HGA)
- Type: Nonprofit craft and education organization
- Focus: Weaving, spinning, dyeing, fiber arts
- Activities: Conferences (Convergence), scholarships, exhibitions, annual exchanges Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3LinkedIn+3
9. International Textile & Apparel Association (ITAA)
- Type: Educational and academic association
- Focus: Textile, apparel, and merchandising disciplines
- Members: Scholars, educators, students; produces conferences and research Wikipedia+2itaaonline.org+2Wikipedia+2
10. Textile Exchange
- Type: Sustainability nonprofit
- Focus: Improving environmental outcomes in fiber and textile production
- Initiatives: Climate targets for the industry, fiber and material standards Textile Exchange+1WIRED+1
Other Noteworthy Organizations
- Color Association of the U.S. (CAUS) – Formerly Textile Color Card Association; sets color trend forecasting standards in industries Wikipedia
- International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) – Governmental commodity body for cotton; based in D.C. Wikipedia
Summary Table
| Organization | Type | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| TSA | Nonprofit | Textile education & research |
| NCTF | Foundation | Scholarships & industry support |
| NCTO | Industry Assoc. | Advocacy & policy |
| AATCC | Professional Assoc. | Quality & testing standards |
| ATMA | Trade Assoc. | Textile machinery |
| ATA | Trade Assoc. | Specialty & technical fabrics |
| STA | Regional Assoc. | Professional networking |
| HGA | Nonprofit | Fiber arts education |
| ITAA | Academic Assoc. | Scholarly exchange |
| Textile Exchange | Nonprofit | Sustainability & materials |
| CAUS | Trade & Forecast | Color forecasting |
| ICAC | International Body | Cotton industry policy |
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