Erika Van Merr

Erika Van Merr has extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising and community engagement, currently serving as the Director of Institutional Giving at FareStart since March 2011. In this role, Erika oversees the organization's institutional and event-based fundraising strategy, managing a diverse portfolio of over 60 corporate, foundation, and individual supporters. Previously, Erika held various positions at FareStart, including Associate Director of Philanthropy, Corporate & Foundation, and Major Gifts Officer, where responsibilities involved engaging a significant number of donors and developing donor engagement strategies. As Community Engagement Manager, Erika modernized the volunteer program and collaborated with corporate and community partners. Earlier experience includes serving as Community Engagement Coordinator at Northwest Center, where Erika managed donor stewardship and special event planning. Erika holds a BA in Political Science and Human Rights from the University of Washington and attended The Bush School.