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AAUW Branch and Affiliate Grants

American Association of University Women

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.

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.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Outstanding academic and scholarly excellence (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

This is the most important criterion across nearly all AAUW funding programs.

Competitive applicants should demonstrate:

Excellent academic record
Strong research achievements
High-quality publications (where applicable)
Academic distinction
Evidence of scholarly excellence

Applications should clearly show the applicant's ability to complete the proposed educational or research program successfully. (aauw.org)

2. Potential to advance women and girls (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

A defining feature of AAUW funding is its mission-driven focus.

Competitive proposals should clearly explain how the applicant's work will:

Advance gender equity
Improve opportunities for women and girls
Promote educational access
Increase women's leadership
Address barriers to equality

Projects aligned with AAUW's mission are significantly more competitive. (aauw.org)

3. Leadership potential and community impact (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Reviewers look for evidence that applicants have:

Leadership experience
Community engagement
Professional achievements
Service activities
Potential to become leaders in their fields

Applicants should demonstrate that they will make meaningful contributions beyond academia. (aauw.org)

4. Strong and feasible project or study plan (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Competitive applications include:

Clearly defined objectives
Well-developed research or educational plan
Realistic timeline
Achievable milestones
Appropriate methodology (for research proposals)

The proposed plan should demonstrate both quality and feasibility within the funding period. (aauw.org)

5. Clear long-term career goals (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Applicants should explain:

Career objectives
Professional development plans
Long-term vision
How AAUW funding will contribute to career advancement

Reviewers favor applicants with a well-articulated pathway toward leadership and impact. (aauw.org)

6. Demonstrated need for funding (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

For several AAUW programs, reviewers consider:

Financial need
Educational expenses
Career transition needs
Lack of alternative funding

Applicants should clearly explain why AAUW support is important for achieving their goals. (aauw.org)

7. Strong letters of recommendation (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Recommendations should demonstrate:

Academic ability
Leadership qualities
Research potential
Professional integrity
Capacity for future achievement

Well-written, detailed recommendations from knowledgeable referees strengthen an application. (aauw.org)

8. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

AAUW values applicants who:

Promote diversity
Support inclusive education
Address inequities
Contribute to underserved communities

Activities reflecting these values strengthen competitiveness. (aauw.org)

9. Relevant experience and professional accomplishments (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Reviewers consider:

Previous employment
Research experience
Publications
Awards
Volunteer activities
Professional achievements

A strong track record supports confidence in future success. (aauw.org)

10. Complete, well-prepared application (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Successful applications include:

Complete documentation
Well-written essays
Accurate transcripts
Required recommendation letters
Compliance with eligibility criteria
Timely submission

Attention to detail and adherence to program requirements are essential. (aauw.org)

Specialties

Others

Eligibility Requirements

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.

Eligible Countries:

United States

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: American Association of University Women

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 202.785.7700

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