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International Project Grants

American Association of University Women

AAUW’s International Project Grants foster lasting impact by supporting International Fellowship alumnae who return to their home countries to lead community-based initiatives. These grants empower alumnae to apply their academic expertise and leadership skills to projects that advance gender equity and improve the lives of women and girls.

From securing property rights for widows to establishing safe, dignified workspaces for cassava producers, alumnae-led initiatives address urgent, deeply rooted equity challenges. By providing targeted funding of up to $10,000, AAUW enables alumnae to drive meaningful, locally grounded change in their communities and create pathways toward greater opportunity and empowerment for women and girls. AAUW is particularly interested in funding projects in historically underserved communities or those that serve at-risk groups.

All International Project Grant funds must be used exclusively for charitable purposes that advance the social and economic empowerment of women and girls. Projects must not generate personal profit or financial benefit for the applicant.

Disqualifying Factors

The following are not eligible for consideration:

Current members of the AAUW Board of Directors
Current employees of AAUW, including paid or unpaid, part-time or temporary employees, consultants, interns, and contract employees.
Current AAUW Review Panelists
Immediate families (i.e., spouses and dependent children) of individuals described in the points above
AAUW International Fellowships alumnae who did not successfully complete their academic program for which they received a fellowship, and/or who did not submit all required reporting in connection with their fellowship

Grant Details

The International Project Grant provides funding of up to $10,000 with a flexible grant period to support charitable, community-based initiatives for the advancement of women. Grant funds must be maintained in a separate individual account dedicated solely to approved project funds.

AAUW reserves the right to adjust the final award amount based on the review of the proposed project budget and the allowability of specific expenses.

The grant will be disbursed in two equal installments, with the first payment issued at the beginning of the grant period and the second payment issued at the midpoint of the grant term, contingent upon satisfactory progress and submission of required reporting.

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 identify as a woman.
Applicants must have completed an AAUW International Fellowship between June 2011 and June 2026 and fulfilled all reporting requirements. (If your fellowship year falls outside this time period, please contact us at awards@aauw.org. These requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.)
Applicants must serve as the primary project director, with control over all programmatic, budgetary, administrative, and editorial decisions.

Project Location

Applicants must reside in and implement their project within their home country for the duration of the grant period.
If applicants are unable to reside in or return to their home country due to humanitarian, safety, or other extenuating circumstances, they may propose to implement the project in the country where they currently reside.

Citizenship & Immigration Status

Grant recipients must be non-U.S. citizens and must not hold U.S. permanent resident status, nor be applicants for U.S. permanent residency (green card).

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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