AAUW Branch and State Affiliate Community Action Grants: Empowering Our Branches and States to Lead in STEM

Applications are welcome from AAUW branches and state organizations that: 

• Are designing or implementing hands-on STEM programming specifically for girls in grades K–12 
• Focus on at least one of the following core areas: 
  • Skill-building in science, technology, engineering, or math
  • Confidence-building and STEM identity development 
  • College and career preparation with a STEM focus
  • Connecting girls with women mentors and role models in STEM fields 

• Have completed the annual branch survey (Branches only) 

Applications will be reviewed through four main lenses: 

1. Program Design and AAUW Alignment
   Reviewers will look for a clear description of the STEM program and how it advances gender equity in STEM. 
2. Community Impact Potential
   AAUW values programs that:
   a. Set clear, achievable goals for participant outcomes
   b. Address specific barriers to girls’ STEM participation at the individual, community, or structural level
   c. Incorporate proven practices for engaging girls in STEM 
3. Implementation Capacity
   Branches and states should demonstrate their ability to successfully carry out the proposed program through:
   a. Experience with similar initiatives or clear plans for developing necessary skills
   b. Committed volunteer leadership with relevant expertise or enthusiasm to learn
   c. A sustainable approach that can continue beyond the grant period 
4. Community Engagement and Learning
   Strong applications will show connection to the broader community through:
   a. Program design informed by input from girls and their families
   b. Partnerships with local schools or community organizations
   c. Plans for gathering feedback and improving the program over time 

Applications must be submitted through AAUW’s online portal at aauw.fluxx.io and include:

• Narrative application, covering:
  • Program description and alignment with AAUW’s mission
  • Intended participants and outreach strategies
  • Timeline of activities
  • Success metrics and evaluation methods
  • Branch and/or state capacity and qualifications
  • Community engagement approach
  • Commitment to learning and use of feedback in program design
• Financial documents, including:
  • Prior fiscal year branch budget
  • Current fiscal year branch budget
  • Detailed project budget with explanations of how each expense supports the program goals

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

Community Action Grants are for non-AAUW a)iliated organizations. If you are applying as part of an AAUW branch or AAUW-affiliated group, you should apply for the Community Action Branch Grant. When registering in Fluxx, select “Yes” for “AAUW Branch?” if you are applying for the Branch Grant, even if your organization is not technically a branchWhat kinds of projects are eligible?

Projects must focus on increasing K–12 girls’ interest and participation in STEM. Eligible projects include:

• A Tech Trek camp (if your branch or organization already runs one)
• A new STEM pilot project
• An ongoing STEM project (not Tech Trek)

How do I know if my branch completed the most recent annual branch survey?
Email awards@aauw.org and we can verify this for you.

Do I need to request the full $10,000?
No. Apply for the amount that fits your project. Requests up to $10,000 are eligible, and smaller budgets are also funded.

Is there a limit on the length of the project?
Yes. Projects may be between 1 and 12 months. You may not incur expenses outside of the project term, so we recommend setting your project start date to the point when you will begin making expenses, and setting the end date for at least one month after your activities conclude to allow time to wrap up any final costs.

Is there a character limit for the application?
Yes. Character limits appear once you open your application and click “Edit.” You may also review a PDF of the full application here.

What costs are not allowed?
The grant cannot be used for:

• Higher education scholarships
• Building funds, construction, or renovations
• Previous expenditures, deficits, or loans
• Grants to other organizations
• Fundraising activities
• Political or lobbying activities

Are indirect costs allowed?
Only reasonable and necessary operational costs that directly support the project are allowed.

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

• Former grantees should register as “Individual registering under a previously registered Organization or Project or AAUW Branch.”
• New applicants should register as “New Organization.”

If you are unsure, email awards@aauw.org to check.

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 see a blank page when I click “Apply for funding”?
You may not be connected to your organization. Try the following:

1. Go to “All” then “Connect to Org.”
2. Enter your organization’s EIN.
3. Wait for approval.
   Once approved, the application will appear.
   If the approver cannot access their account, email awards@aauw.org.

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, the full application will automatically appear.

How do I enter information in the 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 branch or 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.

I registered under the incorrect organization. What should I do?

1. Open the dropdown showing the incorrect organization name and click “Connect to Org.”
2. Enter the correct EIN.
3. Request approval.

If the approver cannot access their Fluxx account, email awards@aauw.org.