Fellowships & Grants

AAUW Branch and Affiliate Grants

AAUW Branch and Affiliate Grants seek to dismantle barriers to girls’ participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by equipping AAUW branches, states, and affiliated organizations to lead impactful, community-based programming. Rooted in local knowledge and deep community connections, AAUW branches and affiliates play a critical role in expanding access to STEM and inspiring the next generation of girls to explore these fields.

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Program Overview

AAUW believes in building a more equitable future through transformative STEM education at the local level. Branch and Affiliate Grants offer up to $10,000 to support AAUW-affiliated organizations in implementing high-quality STEM projects for girls in grades K–12. Tech Trek camps are eligible to apply for grants of up to $5,000. These grants are designed to activate AAUW’s network to deliver meaningful, community-driven impact.

Strong proposals clearly align with AAUW’s approach and may 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 thoughtfully integrate multiple components may be more competitive, as they reflect a deeper alignment 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.

More Than Just Funding

Branch and Affiliate Grants are an opportunity to bring AAUW’s mission to life in local communities. Grantees join a broader network of AAUW leaders and changemakers committed to advancing gender equity in STEM. Through this program, affiliates can strengthen partnerships, elevate their visibility, and contribute to a collective effort to build a more inclusive and innovative STEM ecosystem.

Eligibility

Applicants must be one of the following:

  • AAUW Branch or state organization
  • Other AAUW-affiliated organizations (such as AAUW foundations, charitable trusts, Tech Trek camps, etc.)

AAUW branches and affiliated organizations may submit only one application per funding cycle and may receive only one award per award year (AAUW’s award year runs July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028).

Applicants must have completed the most recent annual AAUW Branch and Affiliate Annual Report.

Eligible applicants 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.

Eligible projects must:

  • Be focused on 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 STEM
    • 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
  • Be designed exclusively for participants who identify as girls.

Eligible projects include: 

  • A Tech Trek camp (if your branch or affiliate already runs one)
  • A new STEM project
  • An ongoing STEM project

Mixed-gender projects are not eligible.

Conflict of Interest & Personal Benefit 

All AAUW branches and affiliates are eligible to apply. However, grant funds may not be used to provide direct financial benefit to AAUW employees, board members, reviewers, their immediate family members, or businesses they own or control. Any actual or potential conflicts of interest, real or perceived, must be disclosed to AAUW.

Reporting Requirements

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

For grants equal to or less than $5,000, at minimum, reporting requirements may include:

  • A final narrative and financial report, including complete reporting on required standard indicators, progress toward intended outcomes, and reflection on customized measures of success

For grants greater than $5,000, at minimum, reporting requirements 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.

Applications for both rounds open on August 17, 2026, at 9:00am ET. Applications received after October 29th at 5pm ET will be considered in Round 2.

Stage
Round 1
Round 2
Application Close
October 29, 2026, at 5:00pm ET
February 25, 2027, at 5:00pm ET
Award Notification
November 30, 2026
March 31, 2027
First Grant Installment Disbursement
By January 31, 2027
By April 30, 2027
Mid-Grant Report Due (for grants greater than $5,000)
Mid-point of grant term
Mid-point of grant term
Second Grant Installment Disbursement (For grants greater than $5,000)
Within 30 days of mid-grant report receipt. Disbursement schedules may be adjusted based on project needs, timelines, and approved budgets.
Within 30 days of mid-grant report receipt. Disbursement schedules may be adjusted based on project needs, timelines, and approved budgets.

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

Round 1:

  • Project start date must be no earlier than January 1, 2027 and later than March 30, 2027;
  • Project end date must be no later than 12 months after project start date.
  • For grants equal to or less than $5,000, grant funds will be paid in one installment by January 31, 2027.
  • For grants greater than $5,000, grant funds will be paid in two equal installments, with the first installment disbursed by January 31, 2027 and the second installment disbursed within 30 days of receipt of the mid-grant report. Payment schedules and installment amounts may be adjusted based on project needs, implementation timelines, and approved budgets.

Round 2:

  • Project start date must be no earlier than April 1, 2027 and later than June 30, 2027;
  • Project end date must be no later than 12 months after project start date.
  • For grants equal to or less than $5,000, grant funds will be paid in one installment by April 30, 2027.
  • For grants greater than $5,000, grant funds will be paid in two equal installments, with the first installment disbursed by April 30, 2027 and the second installment disbursed within 30 days of mid-grant report receipt. Payment schedules and installment amounts may be adjusted based on project needs, implementation timelines, and approved budgets.

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.

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

  • Prior fiscal year branch or organization budget
  • Current fiscal year branch or organization budget

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

Applications will be reviewed through four main lenses:

Criterion Description Reviewer Considerations
1. Project Design and AAUW Alignment The extent to which the proposed project is clearly defined and aligned with AAUW’s mission to advance gender equity in STEM. Strong proposals articulate how project activities will build girls’ skills, confidence, and sense of belonging in STEM.
  • Project goals, structure, and target population are clearly defined and easy to understand
  • Alignment with AAUW’s focus on gender equity in STEM is explicit and well-integrated throughout the proposal
  • Alignment with one or more of AAUW’s priority approaches is clear:
    • Hands-on STEM learning experiences
    • Mentorship or exposure to women in STEM
    • Family or caregiver encouragement
    • Intentional confidence, identity, or belonging-building experiences
    • Projects that thoughtfully integrate multiple priority approaches may be considered more competitive
  • Strategies to build STEM identity, confidence, and skills are intentional, appropriate, and clearly described
  • Project design demonstrates creativity and/or innovation appropriate to the community context and intended outcomes
2. Community Engagement and Relevance The degree to which the project is informed by and connected to the community it serves, and the applicant’s commitment to learning and improvement. Strong proposals demonstrate collaboration, responsiveness, and ongoing evaluation.
  • Input from girls and families is meaningfully reflected in project design
  • Partnerships with schools or community-based organizations are well-defined, appropriate, and strengthen the project (if applicable)
  • Plans for collecting feedback and measuring success are clear and feasible
  • Use of data and learning to refine and improve the project is intentional and evident
3. Community Impact Potential The potential for the project to create meaningful, measurable outcomes for participants and address barriers to girls’ participation in STEM. Competitive proposals demonstrate a clear understanding of the challenges girls face and how the project responds to those needs.
  • Participant outcomes are clearly defined, measurable, and achievable
  • Barriers to girls’ STEM participation are clearly identified and appropriately addressed
  • Use of evidence-based or promising practices for engaging girls in STEM is clear, appropriate, and reflected throughout the project design
4. Implementation Capacity The applicant’s ability to effectively plan, manage, and deliver the proposed project. This includes leadership, resources, and a realistic approach to implementation and sustainability (if applicable).
  • Relevant experience is demonstrated, or a clear and credible plan to build necessary capacity is provided
  • Leadership or volunteer support is committed, appropriate, and sufficient to carry out the project
  • Timeline, budget, and implementation plan are realistic, coherent, and aligned
  • (If applicable) Approach to sustainability beyond the grant period is thoughtful and feasible

Review Process

Applications will be evaluated by AAUW staff. 

Applications will be accepted and reviewed in two rounds (see timeline). Applicants who do not receive funding in one round can apply for future rounds.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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. AAUW Branch and Affiliate Grants are awarded only to AAUW branches, states, and affiliated organizations. 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 which are not AAUW affiliates. Grants have a maximum award amount of $50,000.

AAUW Branch and Affiliate Grants are available only to AAUW branches and affiliates. Most eligible applicants may request up to $10,000; proposals supporting existing Tech Trek camps may request up to $5,000.

When registering in Fluxx, if you are applying for an AAUW Branch and Affiliate Grant, select “Yes” in response to the question “Are you applying for an AAUW Branch and Affiliate Grant?”

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

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” and looking at those which have “Community Action Grants for Branches and Affiliates” listed as the “Award Program Name” in the directory here.

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 application in the application portal and click “Edit” in the top right-hand corner, the character limits for each question will display.

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 when you will begin making expenses and setting the end date for at least one month after your activities conclude. This allows time for project closeout activities and helps ensure grantees are prepared to submit the final report, which is due 30 days after the project end date.

What is the maximum award amount?
Eligible AAUW branches, state organizations, and affiliated organizations may request up to $10,000.

Organizations applying to support an existing Tech Trek camp may request up to $5,000.

Applicants are encouraged to request the amount that best fits their project scope and financial management capacity. Requesting less than the maximum amount will not affect the competitiveness of a proposal.

Do I need to request the maximum award amount?
Applicants are encouraged to request the amount that best fits their project scope and financial management capacity. While grants may be awarded up to $10,000, smaller requests are also welcome. Smaller grant requests do not impact the competitiveness of a proposal.

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

If I am applying for the AAUW Branch and Affiliate Grant, should I register as an Individual or Organization?

If your branch or 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 branch or organization and click “Connect.” The person designated as your branch or affiliate’s moderator in Fluxx will receive an email notification asking them to approve or deny your connection request.

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

If you are not sure if your branch or affiliate is already in AAUW’s system or who your branch or affiliate’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 AAUW Branch and Affiliate Grant program.

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

Try these steps to troubleshoot:

  1. Click on the drop down menu which says “All” on the top left hand corner and click on “Connect to Org”
  2. Enter the EIN for your organization and click “Connect”
  3. The person who is the moderator for your organization’s account in Fluxx will receive an email notification asking them to approve or deny your request to connect. If this person does not have access to their Fluxx account, please write to awards@aauw.org.
  4. Once you have been approved to connect to your organization, you should be able to see the option to apply for the Branch and Affiliate Grant under the “Apply for funding” page.

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

  1. Click on the drop down menu which says the incorrect branch or organization name on the top left hand corner and click on “Connect to Org”
  2. Enter the EIN for the correct branch or organization and click “Connect”
  3. The person who is the moderator for your organization’s account in Fluxx will receive an email notification asking them to approve or deny 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 application form 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.

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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