Apply for AAUW Community Action Grants (United States)

Deadline: 17-Sep-2026

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is inviting nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in the United States and its territories to apply for Community Action Grants supporting innovative, community-based projects that help girls in grades K–12 build confidence, skills, and interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Grants of up to $50,000 are available for projects that create pathways toward STEM education, higher education, and future STEM careers. What Are AAUW Community Action Grants? AAUW Community Action Grants support community-based initiatives that address barriers limiting girls’ participation and advancement in STEM fields. The programme focuses on helping girls develop not only technical knowledge but also the confidence, identity, skills, and sense of belonging needed to continue pursuing STEM education and careers. The grants are intended for innovative projects that provide practical opportunities for girls in grades K–12 to engage with STEM in meaningful ways.

Strong projects may combine:

- Hands-on STEM learning. - Mentorship. - Exposure to women working in STEM careers. - Family or caregiver engagement. - Confidence-building activities. - Belonging and identity-building activities. - Pathways toward higher education. - Career awareness and preparation. Why Does This Programme Matter? Girls continue to face barriers that can influence whether they pursue STEM education and careers. These barriers may include limited access to STEM opportunities, lack of role models, unequal encouragement, stereotypes, and concerns about whether they belong in technical and scientific fields. AAUW Community Action Grants aim to address these challenges at the community level.

The programme seeks to help girls:

- Develop STEM confidence. - Build technical and problem-solving skills. - See themselves as capable STEM learners. - Develop a stronger STEM identity. - Meet women STEM professionals and role models. - Access hands-on learning experiences. - Receive encouragement from families and caregivers. - Explore STEM education pathways. - Consider STEM-related careers. - Build a sense of belonging in STEM environments. What Types of Projects Are Supported? The programme supports innovative, community-based projects designed specifically for girls in grades K–12. Strong proposals should provide meaningful STEM experiences rather than simply offering general educational activities.

Potential project components include:

- Science and engineering workshops. - Technology and coding activities. - Mathematics enrichment. - Robotics programmes. - Hands-on engineering projects. - STEM clubs or after-school programmes. - STEM mentorship programmes. - Career exploration activities. - Meetings with women STEM professionals. - Family STEM engagement programmes. - Activities designed to strengthen confidence. - Programmes that promote STEM identity and belonging. - Initiatives connecting girls with higher education or STEM career pathways. Projects should clearly explain how their activities will help girls overcome barriers and become more confident and capable STEM participants. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Eligible applicants must be based in the United States or its territories and fall into one of the approved organizational categories.

Eligible applicants include:

- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. - Tax-exempt educational institutions, including K–12 schools, colleges, and universities. - Organizations operating under the fiscal sponsorship of a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status. Applicants should ensure that their organization meets the required tax and eligibility status before applying. What Are the Participant Requirements? The programme has a specific participant focus. Projects must be designed exclusively for participants who identify as girls. The target participants must be girls in grades K–12. Projects designed for mixed-gender participation are not eligible.

Applicants should clearly describe:

- The age or grade levels of participants. - The number of girls expected to participate. - The communities being served. - The specific barriers or needs participants face. - How the programme will reach and support the intended participants. Are There Geographic Restrictions? Yes. Both the applicant organization and project activities must meet the programme’s U.S. geographic requirements. Eligible projects must be located in the United States or its territories. The programme does not support projects located outside these areas. Are AAUW Branches and Affiliates Eligible? No. AAUW Branches and Affiliates are not eligible applicants for the Community Action Grants programme. Organizations should carefully review their legal and organizational status before beginning an application. How Much Funding Is Available? Eligible applicants can request grants of up to: $50,000 The programme provides flexibility in project scheduling. Projects may propose their own start and end dates within a 24-month project period, subject to the programme’s timing requirements.

Projects must:

- Begin no earlier than July 1, 2027. - Begin no later than September 30, 2027. - Be structured within a maximum 24-month period. Applicants should build a realistic implementation schedule that connects project activities with expected outcomes. What Makes a Strong STEM Project? AAUW places emphasis on projects that provide more than basic STEM exposure. A strong proposal should create a pathway through which girls can develop skills, confidence, identity, and long-term interest in STEM. Hands-On STEM Learning Projects should provide opportunities for participants to actively experiment, build, design, solve problems, or investigate scientific and technical concepts. Mentorship and Role Models Strong proposals may connect girls with women working or studying in STEM. Exposure to women STEM professionals can help participants unde