AAUW Community Action Grants

Website: AAUW open_in_new

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must fall into one of three categories:

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization;
Tax-exempt educational institution (K-12 school, college, or University); or
Organizations that are fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Eligible organizations must be based in the United States and its territories, and the project described in the grant proposal must also be located in the United States and its territories.

While religious organizations are eligible to apply for a grant, projects must be secular in nature.

Eligible projects must be designed exclusively for participants who identify as girls.

Access further information on eligibility requirements.

Student Type
  • 1st Year
  • 2nd Year
  • 3rd Year
  • 4th Year
  • 5th Year
  • Graduate
Citizen Type
  • US Citizen
  • Permanent Resident
Description

AAUW Community Action Grants seek to dismantle barriers to girls’ participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and create a pipeline of diverse talent in these fields. Community Action Grants fund innovative, community-based projects that create pathways for girls in grades K-12 to develop STEM confidence, skills, and identity — encouraging them to pursue STEM higher education and careers. AAUW believes in building a more equitable future through transformative STEM education. Community Action Grants offer up to $50,000 with flexible grant periods to support nonprofits and educational institutions dedicated to helping girls in grades K–12 build the skills, confidence, and preparation they need to thrive in STEM.

Strong proposals clearly align with AAUW’s approach and incorporate one or more of the following elements:

  • Hands-on STEM learning experiences
  • Mentorship or exposure to women in STEM
  • Family or caregiver encouragement
  • Intentional confidence, identity, or belonging-building experiences.
  • Projects are not required to include all of these elements to be eligible. However, proposals that integrate multiple elements in a cohesive and intentional way may be more competitive, as they are more strongly aligned with AAUW’s approach to impact.

AAUW is particularly interested in supporting projects that reach girls from historically underrepresented communities, ensuring broader and more equitable participation in STEM.

This is a two-step process; applicants must submit a Letter of Interest (LOI), and selected applicants will be invited to complete a full application. 

Procedure

For more information on how to apply, access application instructions here.

Contact Information

For more information, contact: awards@aauw.org