Fellowships & Grants

AAUW Community Action Grants

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.

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Program Overview

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. Please review full application process instructions in the “Application Process” section below.

Community Action Grants Theory of Change

AAUW’s Theory of Change is grounded in the belief that:

When girls are immersed in supportive, engaging STEM environments and have access to relatable role models, they develop lasting interest, confidence, identity, and skills in STEM, which increases their likelihood of pursuing STEM education and careers.

This belief underpins the design of the Community Action Grants program and informs how applications are evaluated.

More Than Just Funding

Becoming an AAUW grantee means joining a community committed to driving systemic change in STEM through gender equity. This opportunity extends beyond financial support, offering evolving pathways for collaboration, visibility, and growth. Grantees become part of a forward-thinking network that fosters shared learning, elevates voices shaping the future of STEM, and builds capacity for long-term impact.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must fall into one of three categories:

  1. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization;
  2. Tax-exempt educational institution (K-12 school, college, or University); or
  3. 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.

Organizations or educational institutions that include members of the AAUW Board of Directors, current employees (including paid, unpaid, part-time, temporary, consultants, interns, and contract employees), current review panelists, or any of their immediate family members who hold significant roles in decision-making or financial management are ineligible to apply. 
 
Mixed-gender projects are not eligible. 

Impact Measurement and Reporting

AAUW is committed to understanding the collective impact of the Community Action Grant program while honoring the diversity of communities and project models we support. Our goal is to gather consistent, meaningful data across grantees while supporting organizations in tracking impact in ways that are authentic, practical, and community-informed. To balance consistency and flexibility, all grantees are required to track a set of standard indicators, and are also encouraged to define customized indicators that reflect success in their specific context.

All grantees must track and report on the core participation indicator below. In addition, grantees are required to report on the approach-specific indicators, as applicable, based on the strategies included in their proposed project design. Not all grantees are expected to implement every recommended approach; only indicators aligned with selected project strategies will be required.

Strategic Approach
Core Indicator
Indicator Type
Project Reach and Equity (required for all grantees)
Number of participants (disaggregated by age, race/ethnicity, and single-parent household status, where collected)
Output
Hands-on STEM learning experiences (if applicable)
Number of STEM sessions, workshops, clubs, or project-based learning experiences delivered
Percentage of participants who report increased STEM skills, knowledge, or interest after participation
Output
Outcome
Mentorship or exposure to women in STEM (if applicable)
Number of women mentors, role models, guest speakers, or STEM partners engaged
Percentage of participants reporting increased awareness of STEM career pathways or role models in STEM
Output
Outcome
Family or caregiver encouragement (if applicable)
Percentage of participants whose family members or caregivers attend at least one project activity, where applicable
Output
Intentional confidence, identity, or belonging-building experiences (if applicable)
Number of project activities intentionally designed to build STEM confidence, identity, leadership, or belonging
Percentage of participants reporting increased confidence, sense of belonging, or identity in STEM
Output
Outcome

These indicators allow AAUW to understand project reach, quality of implementation, and immediate participant-level impact across all funded sites. Data may be collected through attendance records, registration data, pre- and post surveys, and other participant feedback methods.

In addition to the required standard indicators, grantees are encouraged to identify customized measures of success that reflect their unique community context, project model, and goals.

Illustrative examples of customized indicators might include:

  • Accessibility improvements (e.g., transportation access, language inclusion)
  • Shifts in community awareness or perceptions of STEM
  • Systems-level influence
  • Other measures of success relevant to the project and community context

Applicants will have the opportunity to define what success looks like for their community and describe how they will measure it. AAUW values thoughtful, feasible evaluation approaches that align with project goals.

Reporting requirements and timelines may vary. Specific expectations will be outlined in the grant agreement.

At minimum, reporting may include:

  • Mid-term narrative and financial report, including updates on standard required indicators and any customized indicators identified by the organization
  • A final narrative and financial report, including complete reporting on required standard indicators, progress toward intended outcomes, and reflection on customized measures of success

Timeline

AAUW strongly encourages applicants to access the application portal and start their applications well in advance of relevant deadlines to ensure sufficient time to complete and submit all required materials.

Milestone
Date
Letter of Interest (LOI) form opens
August 17, 2026 9:00am ET
Deadline for Letter of Interest (LOI) form submission
September 17, 2026 5:00pm ET
Notification of LOI form review decision
November 13, 2026
Application deadline for those invited
January 14, 2027 5:00pm ET
Panel reviews
January – March 2027
Award notification
April 15, 2027
Mid-Grant Report Due
Mid-point of grant term

Flexible grant periods: Grantees may propose the start and end dates of their project with the following parameters:

  • Project start date must be no earlier than July 1, 2027 and later than September 30, 2027;
  • Project end date must be no later than 24 months after project start date.

Payment timeline: AAUW will work collaboratively with awardees to determine an appropriate payment timeline.

How To Apply

The application is submitted by completing an online form in AAUW’s application portal. Applicants should not prepare or upload a separate project proposal document or application. To begin your application, visit the AAUW Fellowships & Grants Application Portal to create an account or log in.

Please note that for fiscally sponsored organizations, the fiscal sponsor must complete the letter of interest and application (if applicable). AAUW’s relationship is with the fiscal sponsor and not the organization being fiscally sponsored.

For step-by-step guidance on setting up your account, refer to the Application Instructions.

Application Process

Please note: To ensure a fair and equitable application process for all prospective applicants, AAUW does not meet individually with organizations interested in applying for the Community Action Grant outside of scheduled office hours and information sessions. We are committed to providing consistent information to all applicants. Organizations are encouraged to attend scheduled information sessions or office hours and to review the published guidelines and FAQs carefully before submitting questions. 

The LOI is submitted by completing an online form in AAUW’s application portal. Applicants should not prepare or upload a separate narrative letter. The LOI form consists of a series of short-answer questions completed directly in the portal.

Organizations may submit one LOI form per funding cycle. Applicants who submit more than one LOI form per funding cycle will be disqualified.

If an organization is fiscally sponsored, the LOI form must be submitted by the fiscal sponsor. Fiscal sponsors may submit only one LOI per funding cycle across all sponsored projects. All official communications will be conducted between AAUW and the fiscal sponsor.

LOIs will be reviewed by AAUW staff. Successful applicants will be invited by November 13, 2026 to advance to the full application stage.

In addition to the LOI form questions, applicants will be required to upload the following documents to confirm eligibility:

  • The organization’s IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter (for nonprofit applicants or fiscal sponsors)

Successful applicants will be invited to complete a more detailed application. Applications will be submitted via AAUW’s application portal. The application form is completed entirely within the portal and consists of a series of narrative questions, a project timeline, a project budget and accompanying budget narrative, and required document uploads.

In addition to the narrative application questions, applicants will be required to upload the following documents:

  • Most recent statement of activities (P&L): This document summarizes your organization’s revenues and expenses over the most recent fiscal period.
  • Most recent statement of financial position (balance sheet): This document provides a snapshot of your organization’s assets, liabilities, and net assets at a specific point in time.
  • In addition, the organization must be current on Form 990 filings, with the most recent return filed and either publicly available or provided upon request.

These documents must pertain to the applying entity, not the project or organization being fiscally sponsored (if applicable).

LOI Evaluation Criteria and Process

Letters of Interest are reviewed as a screening step. LOIs are advanced to full application stage based on alignment, clarity of purpose, and potential for impact. LOIs are assessed by AAUW staff using the criteria below. Reviewers are looking for clear signals of fit and readiness based on overall description of the organization and project, not detailed plans or proposals.

Criterion
Description
Reviewer Considerations
1. Alignment with Mission and Purpose
The proposed project clearly aligns with AAUW’s mission and theory of change.

  • • Clarity of the problem or opportunity the project addresses

  • • Connection between the proposed work and advancing gender equity in STEM
2. Program Fit
The proposed project aligns with AAUW program priorities.

  • • Focus on girls in grades K–12

  • • Alignment with one or more priority areas:

    • — Hands-on STEM learning experiences

    • — Mentorship or exposure to women in STEM

    • — Family or caregiver engagement

    • — Intentional confidence, identity, or belonging-building

  • • Proposals that meaningfully address multiple priority areas may be considered more competitive
3. Understanding of Need and Target Population
The organization demonstrates a clear understanding of the community and the barriers girls face in STEM.

  • • Identification of key barriers (e.g., access, representation, confidence, resources)


  • • Use of community knowledge, lived experience, data, or prior learning to inform the idea


  • • Strength of the rationale for why this work matters now and in this community

4. Concept Strength and Potential for Impact
The proposed idea shows promise for meaningful impact, appropriate to the stage and scope.

  • • Clarity of the proposed approach (high-level) 


  • • Plausibility of achieving meaningful outcomes for participants


  • • Potential for the project to contribute to gender equity in STEM


  • • Indications of openness to feedback, iteration, or adapting based on community needs
5. Organizational Readiness
The organization demonstrates basic capacity to carry out the proposed work.

  • • Relevant experience or connection to the work


  • • Basic capacity to carry out the idea


  • • Any key partnerships (if applicable)




6. Additional Valued Factors
  • • Prioritization of girls from historically underrepresented communities in STEM

At the LOI stage, reviewers do not assess detailed project design, full methodology, budgets, work plans, or formal evaluation strategies.  

Full Application Evaluation Criteria and Process

Applications are reviewed using the criteria below to assess project strength, feasibility, and potential for meaningful impact. While each criterion is weighted equally, reviewers are encouraged to assess applications holistically and in context.

Criterion
Description
Reviewer Considerations
1. Project Design and Methodology
The project is clearly defined, evidence-informed, and thoughtfully designed.

  • • Clarity and coherence of project activities and structure


  • • Alignment between goals, activities, and intended outcomes


  • • Integration of research, prior experience, or promising practices


  • • Appropriateness of the approach for the target population


  • • Quality and thoughtfulness of the participant experience (e.g., engagement, relevance, supportive environment)
2. Impact Potential and Measurement
The project aims to achieve meaningful, contextually relevant outcomes and includes a feasible plan to assess progress.

  • • Clarity and relevance of intended outcomes for girls


  • • Appropriateness of outcomes within the community context 


  • • Feasibility of tracking progress (qualitative and/or quantitative methods)


  • • Alignment between activities and expected impact


  • • Potential for the project to sustain, grow, or influence beyond the grant period (as appropriate to the organization’s stage and scope)
3. Community Understanding and Engagement
The project is grounded in and responsive to the community it serves.

  • • Depth of understanding of community needs and barriers 


  • • Evidence of community input or engagement in project design


  • • Responsiveness to cultural, social, and geographic context 


  • • Intentional efforts to reduce barriers to participation (e.g., cost, transportation, language, accessibility)
4. Organizational Capacity and Implementation Readiness
The organization has the capacity to successfully implement the project.

  • • Relevant experience and past performance 


  • • Strength of partnerships (if applicable)


  • • Realistic and detailed work plan and timeline


  • • Staffing and infrastructure to support implementation


  • • Awareness of potential implementation challenges and reasonable plans to address them

5. Budget Alignment and Stewardship
The proposed budget is reasonable and aligned with the project design.

  • • Clear connection between budget items and project activities


  • • Appropriateness of funding request relative to scope


  • • Evidence of responsible financial management

Applications will be reviewed by a diverse group of panelists in STEM, nonprofit leaders, business management experts, and AAUW alumni. Every application gets scored by two reviewers, then discussed as a group before making final selections.

Unallowable costs

AAUW grant funds may not be used for the following expenses:

  • Higher education scholarships for students and participants
  • Infrastructure projects, construction, or renovations
  • Previous expenditures, deficits, or loans
  • Creating or providing grants to other organizations
  • Fundraising activities
  • Political campaigns, lobbying (to influence legislation), or voter registration drives
  • Charitable donations

FAQ

Can organizations reapply for funding?

Yes. All previous applicants and grantees are welcome to reapply each year.

Are mixed-gender projects eligible to apply?

No. Eligible projects must be designed exclusively for participants who identify as girls.

How does AAUW define “girls”?

AAUW defines girls as anyone who self-identifies as a girl. Identity is not based on appearance, name, or gender expression. AAUW encourages inclusion of non-binary and transgender youth, depending on how they identify.

Can individuals apply for this grant?

No. Community Action Grants are awarded only to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, fiscally sponsored organizations operating under a 501(c)(3), and educational institutions. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

What is the difference between Community Action Grants and AAUW Branch and Affiliate Grants?

Community Action Grants are available only to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, fiscally sponsored organizations operating under a 501(c)(3), and educational institutions and have a maximum award amount of $50,000.

AAUW Branch and Affiliate Grants are available only to AAUW branches and affiliates and have a maximum award amount of $10,000.

When registering in Fluxx, if you are not applying for an AAUW Branch and Affiliate Grant, select “No” in response to the question “Are you applying for a Community Action Branch Grant?”

What kind of projects are typically funded?

AAUW supports projects that provide hands-on STEM learning opportunities for girls in grades K–12. Funded projects often include mentorship, family engagement, and confidence-building components. Projects serving girls from historically underrepresented communities in STEM are prioritized. You can review past examples of funded projects by searching “Community Action Grants” under “Award Type” in the directory here.

What does AAUW mean by “community-based”?

AAUW defines “community-based” broadly and recognizes that community can take many forms. A community may be geographic (such as a city, region, rural area, or school district), identity-based (such as girls who share cultural, linguistic, or lived experiences), or centered around a shared learning environment or network.

Projects may operate in a single location, across multiple sites, or in virtual settings. Virtual projects are eligible to apply, provided they demonstrate meaningful engagement and clearly define the community they are designed to serve.

Applicants will have an opportunity within the application to describe and define the community their project serves. We encourage organizations to articulate:

  • Who their intended participants are
  • What shared characteristics, needs, or barriers connect them
  • How the project is responsive to that specific community context

Strong applications clearly demonstrate a thoughtful understanding of their community and explain how project design reflects that understanding, regardless of whether the project is place-based, multi-site, or virtual.

Does my organization need to request the full $50,000?

Organizations are encouraged to request the amount that best fits their project scope and organizational capacity. While grants may be awarded up to $50,000, smaller requests are also welcome, particularly for emerging organizations or projects in an early growth phase. The strongest applications propose a budget that can be managed effectively and supports meaningful impact. Smaller grant requests do not impact the competitiveness of a proposal.

Can this grant support ongoing projects, or only new initiatives?

The Community Action Grant may support both ongoing projects and new initiatives. The primary consideration is alignment with AAUW’s mission to advance gender equity in STEM for girls in grades K–12.

Applications for ongoing projects should clearly explain:

  • Evidence of effectiveness and impact to date
  • How grant funds would strengthen, enhance, or scale the project
  • Why additional funding is needed at this time

Applications for new initiatives should clearly explain:

  • How the initiative builds on existing organizational experience and capacity
  • Evidence supporting the proposed approach
  • A clear and feasible implementation plan

In all cases, applicants must provide clear justification for proposed costs. Funding decisions are based on potential impact, alignment with AAUW’s mission, and organizational capacity.

Is there a character or word limit for the Letter of Interest?

Yes, there are character limits for each question in the Letter of Interest form. Once you start an LOI in the application portal and click “Edit” in the top right-hand corner, the character limits for each question will display.

Are indirect costs allowed in the budget?

Yes, you may include indirect costs in the budget and there is no limit or cap.

If I am applying for the Community Action Grant, should I register as an Individual or Organization?

If your organization is already in AAUW’s system (i.e. you are a former grantee or applicant), you should register as “Individual registering under a previously registered Organization/Project/AAUW Branch.” After registering, click on the drop down menu which says “All” on the top left hand corner and click on “Connect to Org”. Enter the EIN for your organization and click “Connect.” The person designated as your organization’s moderator in Fluxx will receive an email notification asking them to approve or deny your connection request.

If your organization is not already in AAUW’s system, you should register as “New Organization.”

If you are not sure if your organization is already in AAUW’s system or who your organization’s moderator is, email awards@aauw.org and we can verify this for you.

You should not register as an “Individual applicant” if you are applying for the Community Action Grant program.

When I click on “Apply for funding” I get a blank page. What is happening?

Try these steps to troubleshoot:

  • Click on the drop down menu which says “All” on the top left hand corner and click on “Connect to Org”
  • Enter the EIN for your organization and click “Connect”
  • The person who is associated with your organization’s account in Fluxx will approve your request to connect. If this person does not have access to their Fluxx account, please write to awards@aauw.org.
  • Once you have been approved to connect to your organization, you should be able to see the option to apply for the Community Action Grant under the “Apply for funding” page.

I registered under the incorrect organization, what should I do?

  1. Click on the drop down menu which says the incorrect organization name on the top left hand corner and click on “Connect to Org”
  2. Enter the EIN for the correct organization and click “Connect”
  3. The person who is associated with that organization’s account in Fluxx will approve your request to connect. If this person does not have access to their Fluxx account, please write to awards@aauw.org.

I forgot my password. What do I do? 

Go to aauw.fluxx.io, click “Forgot password,” and enter the email associated with your account.

Why do I only see the “Confirm your eligibility” questionnaire? 

You must submit this questionnaire first. Click “Save and Close,” then “Submit.” If you are eligible for the program based on your responses, the LOI form will automatically appear.

How do I enter information in the LOI or application form? 

Click “Edit” in the top right corner.

Where can I find my partially completed application? 

Your draft application is located under “Drafts” on the left menu.

How do I edit my organization information? 

Go to “Organizations,” then click “Edit” in the top right hand corner.

If you do not see the Edit button, email awards@aauw.org.

Does AAUW provide tax, legal, or accounting advice?

No. AAUW staff can provide information about program requirements and application procedures but cannot provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Applicants should consult their own legal, tax, or financial professionals regarding questions about organizational status, fiscal sponsorship, accounting practices, filing requirements, or tax implications.

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