This hands-on workshop is designed to help artists, curators, and creative workers navigate the world of grant applications. Participants will learn how to identify appropriate funding sources, craft compelling proposals, and develop clear budgets. With practical tips and real-world examples, this workshop aims to equip creatives with the tools they need to secure financial support for their projects. Whether you're new to grantwriting or looking to refine your skills, check out this workshop for valuable insights into how to secure funding for your artistic and cultural endeavors.

Marielle Mervau (she/her) is a cultural organizer and grants writer based in Chicago, Illinois, where she collaborates with nonprofits to build equitable capacity building solutions that deepen their social impact. Currently serving as Philanthropy Associate at Northwestern Memorial Foundation, Marielle provides strategic oversight in fundraising strategies, grants research, donor relations, and external communications to align funding with organizational goals. With a rich background in both the arts and social justice sector, Marielle brings a unique blend of creativity and advocacy to her roles.

Prior to her tenure in Chicago, Marielle was the Curatorial Associate at the Institute of Contemporary Art, San José (ICA) from 2017-2021. In 2023, Marielle completed a Master’s Degree in Arts Administration and Policy at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). There, her final thesis project examined the growing relationships between philanthropic foundations and nonprofit organizations in Chicago’s worker cooperative ecosystem using a “Just Transition for Philanthropy” framework. She was the Associate Editor of “Emerge,” a journal publication focused on arts and arts administration, and served as a board member for SAIC’s grant-making organization, The Enrichment Fund. She holds a B.A. in Fine Arts from University of California Santa Cruz. In 2021, she co-founded Companion Cooperative, an arts organization committed to cooperative principles, fostering shared power, and consensus-based decision-making.