The ERNA Memorial Grant

#PayItForward

For most creative professionals, there is an understanding that our craft comes at a cost. However, many of us do not have a generous benefactor to help fund those needs that can positively impact a career. But what if we did? Attending conferences, paying for exams, or professional membership fees can feel impossible while avoiding the ‘starving artist’ stigma. In an effort to pay it forward for the next generation of brilliant creatives and super humans, we have created the ERNA Memorial Grant.

The ERNA Memorial Grant seeks to Elevate, Retain, Nurture and Assist its awardee(s) in the amount of $1,333.00, which can be used toward professional development. Please complete the application below. The application fee is $33.00 and can be paid online. The deadline is extended to December 31st, 2023 at midnight. If you have supporting materials (recommendation letters, portfolio, or work samples) that you would like to support your application, please send them to info@wallendaub.com with the subject line : ERNA Grant Supporting Material – Applicant’s Last Name.

The Inaugural ERNA Memorial Grant Recipient

Profile on Melanie Nunez

Last year, we awarded the inaugural ERNA Memorial Grant to Melanie Nuñez! Melanie is a talented third-year Architecture student at The City College of New York. Of the overwhelming number of applications we received (thank you all!), Melanie’s goal of using her architectural roots to inform landscape design + continued research into improved biodiversity stood out to us. A few words from our recipient :

"I am a 3rd-year architecture student, in a 5-year program at the Spitzer School of Architecture. I have always been interested in the connection of architecture to nature and its surroundings. Recently, I got to experience landscape architecture and retrofitting suburbia through my professor and mentor Prof. June Williamson by producing graphics for her book “Retrofitting Suburbia: The Case Studies” and it has been a great and insightful experience. I am honored to be the first recipient of the ERNA Grant Award. Receiving this grant will help me in my architecture studies and career. I am profoundly thankful and excited to engage in more opportunities architecture school has to offer." 

We look forward to following Melanie, Tobi + Dariel’s future success! Additionally, we are excited to helping you achieve your dreams again in 2023. We hope to partner with other organizations to extend the ERNA Grant to additional awardees; if you are interested in expanding this effort with us, please reach out!