The Carelle Grant in Honor of Brooke Tivol McGrath
In partnership with Carelle, the WJA Foundation offers one $7,500 grant to support an established jewelry or watch professional seeking to strengthen and advance their business through technology, education and operational innovation.
Eligible Uses
Grant funds may be applied toward:
Technology that improves or streamlines business operations
Digital education that expands consumer reach or sales
E-commerce platforms and solutions
Other technology-based investments that support business growth
Ineligible Expenses Include
Social-media management services
Email-marketing services
Outsourced professional services
Hiring staff or covering payroll expenses
Grant Administration
One recipient will receive a $7,500 grant
Applicants must provide images representing their jewelry, timepieces or business
The recipient must provide a summary one year later explaining how the grant was used and the resulting impact
The recipient will be invited to serve on the following year’s Carelle Grant Jury Panel
Jury decisions are final and not subject to appeal
Eligibility
Must have been in business for at least five years
Must demonstrate a clear business vision, dedication to the industry and an innovative approach to growth
Members may receive only one WJA grant or scholarship per calendar year
Sponsored by Crested Butte Jewelry School and Jewelry Business School, the From Bench to Brand™ Grant supports a WJA member seeking to build both jewelry-making skills and the business knowledge needed to launch or grow a successful jewelry brand.
One recipient will receive lifetime access to the complete online From Bench to Brand™ Program. The Grant has an estimated value of $5,800.
Grant Includes
30-minute business consultation with Meaghan Young
Introductory and advanced metalsmithing instruction
Silversmithing and goldsmithing training
Workshops covering specialized jewelry techniques
Business planning and entrepreneurship education
Branding, marketing and sales training
Pricing and profitability strategies
Website and e-commerce guidance
Social-media and content-creation instruction
Email-marketing and advertising fundamentals
Lifetime access to the online curriculum and learning community
Expenses Not Included
The grant provides access to the educational program but does not include:
Jewelry-making tools
Metals, gemstones or other supplies
Website or e-commerce subscriptions
Email-marketing platform fees
Other costs associated with launching or operating a jewelry business
Grant Administration
One recipient will receive full access to the program
The grant is educational and will not be distributed as a cash award
Program access will be provided directly to the recipient by Crested Butte Jewelry School and Jewelry Business School
Applications will be reviewed by a designated WJA jury panel
Jury decisions are final and not subject to appeal
Eligibility
Open to women pursuing careers in jewelry design, metalsmithing, entrepreneurship or jewelry-related small-business ownership
Applicants may be at any stage of their jewelry-making journey, from aspiring makers to emerging jewelry-business owners
Previous metalsmithing or business-ownership experience is not required
Members may receive only one WJA grant or scholarship per calendar year
Established in memory of jeweler, entrepreneur and WJA Twin Cities founding member Janel Russell, the Janel Russell supports a WJA member seeking to advance their education, professional development or career within the jewelry industry.
The grant has provided a $750 award through the WJA Twin Cities community.
Eligible Uses
Grant funds may support jewelry-industry career and professional-development expenses, including:
Educational courses and workshops
Industry conferences and events
Technical jewelry training
Business-development education
Tools or resources that support professional growth
Ineligible Expenses Include
Membership fees to trade associations
Materials used directly to create jewelry for resale
General personal expenses unrelated to career or business development
Grant Administration
Applications will be reviewed by a designated WJA jury panel
Funds will be paid directly to the selected recipient
Jury decisions are final and not subject to appeal
Eligibility
Must be a WJA Member located in the Twin Cities area
Must demonstrate how the award will support their jewelry-industry education, career or business development
Members may receive only one WJA grant or scholarship per calendar year
