(PRESS RELEASE) The Women’s Jewelry Association announces that its grants application season is now open and accepting applicants. WJA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that offers a variety of scholarships and grants to support the career growth and educational endeavors of professionals in the jewelry and watch industries.
WJA has shifted its grant application schedule to the fall to help individuals budget and plan better for the upcoming year. Applications are now open for the following grants: the Responsible Business Education Grant (3-month online sustainability course through New York University), the WJA Carelle Grant ($7,500), the Jewelers Mutual Insurance Female Veteran Grant ($5,000), and WJA Member Grants ($500).
Responsible Business Education Grant
Brand new this year is WJA Foundation’s Responsible Business Education Grant, sponsored by Platinum Guild International USA. Two individuals will be selected to enroll in a 3-month sustainability course at New York University’s Stern School of Business Executive Education online program.
Platinum Guild International (PGI) is dedicated to promoting platinum and its pure, rare and eternal qualities to the consumer and the jewelry trade. PGI has offices in each of the world’s major jewelry markets, providing information, assistance and education on all aspects of platinum jewelry. For more information visit www.platinumjewelry.com.
“At PGI, we feel it is important for our industry to make a continued commitment toward sustainable practices in all levels of business, and the first place to start is education.
We are thrilled to support WJA Foundation’s Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability Education Fund and its business education grantmaking for NYU programs. PGI commits to bringing news, support and education to all of its partners in the jewelry industry, so it was a natural fit to support WJA’s admirable initiatives. We look forward to seeing the great impact these opportunities have on our industry.” — Jenny Luker, president, PGI USA
Eligible candidates must be WJA members for at least one year prior to applying. Applicants must submit responses to essay questions demonstrating their commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainable business practices throughout their career. Applications are due by October 31, 2021.
WJA Carelle Grant
The Carelle Grant was established 10 years ago in honor of Brooke Tivol McGrath, an innovative leader in the jewelry industry. Brooke was the driving force behind the successful launch of the Carelle brand and understood the value of belonging to WJA.
In celebration of the grant’s 10 year anniversary, Carelle has generously increased this year’s grant to $7,500 and shifted its focus to reflect the legacy left by Brooke – by supporting an established jewelry professional (in business for 5-10 years) in innovating their business through technological advancements, including investments in e-commerce and digital education and support.
Eligible candidates must be current members of WJA for at least one year. Applicants are required to submit an essay explaining why they deserve this award, plus images of their jewelry and business, demonstrating an innovative mindset, forward-looking outlook and positive perspective of their work and the future of the industry. Applications are due by October 31, 2021.
Female Veteran Grant
The Female Veteran Grant was created in partnership with Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group to be awarded to a deserving female US Military Veteran. This $5,000 grant is intended to be used towards professional development within the jewelry or watch industry.
Applications for this grant are open to members and non-members of WJA, and applicants will be expected to answer several questions about their career plans and goals and provide proof of honorable discharge upon applying. Applications are due by October 31, 2021.
Member Grants
Member Grants are awarded each year to female or female-identifying, professional-level WJA members. Funds for Member Grants are provided by the national organization and WJA chapters around the United States.
WJA is pleased to share that a portion of proceeds from the WJA Conversations on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion series will fund additional WJA Member Grants specifically designated for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color) and LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, +) applicants. WJA members that identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ from any WJA chapter are encouraged to apply for these opportunities and are eligible to be selected for all of WJA’s member grant opportunities.
Recipients must be professional-level members in good standing. Applications are due by October 31, 2021.
To apply and learn more: womensjewelryassociation.com/grantscholarships
If you would like to join the Women’s Jewelry Association, complete its membership application.
Questions about grants or the Women’s Jewelry Association can be directed to WJA Executive Director, Jennifer Markas at jennifer@womensjewelryassociation.com.