American Association of University is a private foundation based in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Its 2024 filing describes direct charitable activity as providing leadership training, education, and scholarships for women and girls. The organization’s website identifies its local branch as AAUW Honolulu, which says it works to advance gender equity through community partnerships, programming, scholarships, and grants.
Key facts about American Association of University
In short: American Association of University gave $130K across 19 grants in 2024 (avg $7K), mostly in Hawaii. 91% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 80-0608910
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $129,803
- Grants made (2024)
- 19
- Average grant
- $6,832
- Median grant
- $2,500
- New grantees (estimate)
- 91% first-time grantees (10 of 11, 2024)
- Total assets
- $3,860,220
- Primary geography
- Hawaii (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- Deadline
- The filing lists September 15 as the annual deadline for the Career and Leadership Development Grant.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$3.9M
+39.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$130K
+51.2% YoY
Grant Count
19
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$7K
+51.2% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, American Association of University reported a distributable amount of $185K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is American Association of University open to new grantees?
91%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 10 of 11 grantees (91%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $10K; repeat grants $15K. How we count
Medians: $7K first-time, $15K repeat.
- 0% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 28% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 80% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
AAUW Honolulu says its work builds on a founding principle of promoting the higher ideals of education among women. Its website describes academic scholarships for women in Hawai‘i enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies, career and leadership development grants for working women, and the Tweet Coleman Aviation Scholarship for women pursuing aviation careers. The website also describes community programming and partnerships, including Girls Talk Back.
The 2024 filing reports grants to organizations including Purple Maiʻa Foundation and Ceeds of Peace. Purple Maiʻa describes its own mission as encouraging Hawai‘i’s youth to learn, practice, and excel in technical industries, including science and engineering. Ceeds of Peace describes its mission as offering a 360-degree approach to raising peacebuilding leaders.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation made 19 grants totaling $129,803. Grant amounts ranged from $541 to $35,000, with a median of $2,500. The largest reported grants included $35,000 to Purple Maiʻa Foundation for its FoundHer program, $25,375 to Hawaii Community Foundation for graduate scholarships, and $15,000 to Ceeds of Peace for its Girls Talk Back program. Other awards included undergraduate scholarship payments to Hawai‘i institutions, Tweet Coleman Aviation Scholarships, and career and leadership development grants to individuals.
Review Cycle
The filing lists September 15 as the annual deadline for the Career and Leadership Development Grant. The website lists an August 5–September 7, 2026 application cycle; that cycle has passed.
How to Apply
es for its individual scholarship and grant programs. For the Career and Leadership Development Grant, the filing lists application materials including a cover letter, current résumé or CV, an itemized activity budget, and—when relevant—proof of acceptance for a presentation paper. The filing says applicants must meet program-specific eligibility requirements, including Hawai‘i residency for the career grant and requirements related to gender, education, or career status. The website’s career-grant page says applicants must live and/or work in Hawai‘i, may not have received that career grant before, and may not be current-year AAUW Honolulu scholarship awardees.
Ready to take the next step with American Association of University?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All grant dollars reported for filing year 2024 went to recipients in Hawai‘i. AAUW Honolulu’s website describes its scholarship and grant programs as serving women in Hawai‘i.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 19 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $86K (2023) to $136K (2022). In 2024 it made 19 grants totaling $130K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Purple Maia Foundation ($35K). Together the top 10 received $114K.
Organizations only. It also paid 8 grants to individuals ($14,428), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
92 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 92 grants of 92 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Maia Foundation Aiea, HI | Donation to Foundher Program | $35,000 |
| Hawaii Community Foundation Honolulu, HI | Graduate Scholarships | $25,375 |
| Ceeds of Peace Honolulu, HI | Donation to Girls Talk Back Program | $15,000 |
| Mauna Loa Helicopters Kailuakona, HI | Tweet Coleman Aviation Scholarship | $8,000 |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu Honolulu, HI | Undergraduate Scholarship Payment | $8,000 |
| Chaminade University Honolulu, HI | Undergraduate Scholarship Payment | $7,000 |
| Pacific Flight Academy Honolulu, HI | Tweet Coleman Aviation Scholarship | $7,000 |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI | Undergraduate Scholarship Payment | $6,000 |
| 8 grants to individuals Recipients not named | — | $14,428 |
| Windward Community College Honolulu, HI | Undergraduate Scholarship Payment | $2,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3,860,220 | $260,570 | $213,873 | $129,803 (19 grants) |
| 2023 | $2,767,029 | $157,731 | $134,939 | $85,831 (19 grants) |
| 2022 | $2,525,610 | $82,601 | $195,011 | $136,488 (20 grants) |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $3,860,220 | $2,767,029 | $2,525,610 |
| Revenue | $260,570 | $157,731 | $82,601 |
| Expenses | $213,873 | $134,939 | $195,011 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $147,812 | $118,509 | $168,736 |
| Net Investment Income | $186,763 | $137,594 | $61,155 |
| Distributable Amount | $184,585 | $155,093 | $135,524 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Hope Bennett as president and Jean Evans as secretary. It lists Anna Viggiano Jun-Dec and Younghee Overly Jan-Jun as treasurers. Directors listed were Valerie Lam, Anna Viggiano Jan-Jun, Leela Bilmes-Goldstein Jun-Dec, Susannah Kandikatti Jun-Dec, and Elizabeth Kiefer Jun-Dec.
American Association of University is led by Hope Bennett, President on every filing since 2022; none of the 9 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Hope Bennett
President
On filings since 2022
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Anna Viggiano Jan-Jun
Director
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Kiefer Jun-Dec
Director
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Leela Bilmes-Goldstein Jun-Dec
Director
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Susannah Kandikatti Jun-Dec
Director
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Valerie Lam
Director
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jean Evans
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Anna Viggiano Jun-Dec
Treasurer
New on the 2024 filing
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Younghee Overly Jan-Jun
Treasurer
New on the 2024 filing
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (19)
- Former: Anna Viggiano (2020–2023) — Secretary
- Former: Caroline Kunitake (2022–2023) — Treasurer
- Former: Valerie Lam Jul-Dec (2022) — Director
- Former: Younghi Overly (2022) — Director
- Former: Caroline Kunitake Jul - Dec (2020–2021) — Treasurer
- Former: Carolyn Alexander (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Anna Viggiano Jan - Jun (2021) — Director
- Former: Anna Viggiano Jul - Dec (2021) — Secretary
- Former: Caroline Kunitake Jan - Jun (2021) — Secretary
- Former: Hope Bennett Jul - Dec (2021) — President
- Former: Joanna Amberger Jan - Jun (2021) — President
- Former: Younghee Overly Jan - Jun (2021) — Treasurer & Director
- Former: Beverly Munson Jan - May (2020) — V. President
- Former: Gloria Brassuel (2020) — Director
- Former: Jean Evans July - Dec (2020) — Director
- Former: Joanna Amberger (2020) — President
- Former: Marisa Pollard (2020) — Secretary
- Former: Susan Wurtzburg Jan - Oct (2020) — Director
- Former: Younghee Overly (2020) — Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Application contact: Aauw Honolulu Branch
Mailing address: PO Box 22331, Honolulu, HI 96823-2331
Phone: (808) 782-2150
Email: info@aauwhonolulu.org
Website: https://aauwhonolulu.org
Frequently asked questions about American Association of University
How much does American Association of University give each year?
American Association of University gave $130K across 19 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $86K across 19 grants.
What is American Association of University's typical grant size?
American Association of University's median grant in 2024 was $2,500, and its average grant was $6,832, across 19 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from American Association of University that year got $10K on average.
Where does American Association of University give grants?
American Association of University gives mostly in Hawaii: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Honolulu, HI (9 grants).
Does American Association of University give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 19 grants with a stated purpose on American Association of University's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Career/Leadership Development Grant" (8 grants) and "Undergraduate Scholarship Payment" (6 grants).
Who are American Association of University's largest grantees?
American Association of University's largest 2024 grantees include Purple Maia Foundation ($35,000), Hawaii Community Foundation ($25,375) and Ceeds of Peace ($15,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 8 grants to individuals ($14,428), which are not listed by name. Together they received 58% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is American Association of University?
American Association of University reported $3.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $148K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $185K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does American Association of University fund?
AAUW Honolulu says its work builds on a founding principle of promoting the higher ideals of education among women. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from American Association of University?
American Association of University does not accept unsolicited proposals, according to Grantable's research on its published guidelines. Check aauwhonolulu.org for any change to that policy.
What is American Association of University's EIN?
American Association of University's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 80-0608910. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does American Association of University accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching American Association of University by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in American Association of University's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Aloha United Way Inc
Honolulu, HI
Aloha United Way funds Hawaiʻi community organizations working on health, education, financial stability, housing, basic needs, family support, and related services, with most funding focused on Oʻahu. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,852 to $1,858,647, with a median of $24,421; it offers specific application cycles, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$23.5M
Grants
175
Total Given
$14.0M
The Bell Charitable Foundation
Cincinnati, OH
The Bell Charitable Foundation supports nonprofits working in economic and social mobility, technology, health and well-being, and environmental sustainability, with grants concentrated in Ohio, Hawaii, and Kentucky. Its 2025 grants ranged from $10,000 to $42,500, with a median of $25,000; it funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
—
Grants
27
Total Given
$591K
Bank of Hawaii Charitable Fdn
Honolulu, HI
The foundation supports community development, education, human services, and arts integration, with an emphasis on strengthening low- and moderate-income communities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $297,500, with a median of $25,000; 95% of funding went to organizations in Hawaii. Grant requests may be submitted at any time.
Assets
$1.7M
Grants
40
Total Given
$1.4M
Cooke Foundation Limited
Honolulu, HI
The Cooke Foundation supports Hawaiʻi nonprofits working in arts, culture and humanities, education, environment, and human services. In 2025, grants ranged from $3,150 to $200,000, with a median of $20,000; it funds organizations in Hawaiʻi. It accepts online applications through a letter-of-interest process, but unsolicited proposals outside its priority areas are not considered.
Assets
$16.0M
Grants
56
Total Given
$1.4M
Tradewind Group Foundation
Honolulu, HI
The Tradewind Group Foundation supports education, workforce development, housing, health, arts, youth, culture, and other community needs in Hawai‘i. Its 2025 grants ranged from $86 to $100,510, with a median of $5,000. It accepts requests by letter stating the request and the organization’s purpose; the filing says giving is not limited to preselected organizations.
Assets
$45.1M
Grants
146
Total Given
$1.5M
Kosasa Foundation
Honolulu, HI
The Kosasa Foundation funds Hawaiʻi 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in environmental stewardship, culture and arts, early childhood education, and support for young people; it may support operating costs, projects, and capital campaigns. Its 2024 grants ranged from $3,000 to $500,000, with a median of $45,000, and most funding went to Hawaiʻi organizations. It does not accept unsolicited requests; prospective grantees can submit a questionnaire and may be invited to apply.
Assets
$159.4M
Grants
84
Total Given
$5.2M
J Watumull Fund
Honolulu, HI
J Watumull Fund supports public charities and schools across areas including arts, education, health, community services, and child welfare; most of its 2024 grant dollars went to Hawaii. Its grants ranged from $500 to $50,000, with a median of $2,000. It accepts applications anytime.
Assets
$12.1M
Grants
275
Total Given
$684K
Stupski Foundation
San Francisco, CA
The Stupski Foundation funds food justice, health, and postsecondary success, prioritizing community-led organizations and people-of-color-led groups serving Hawaiʻi and the San Francisco Bay Area, especially San Francisco and Alameda Counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $150,000 and ranged from $5,000 to $2.5 million; as it spends down, it expects grants to be larger and more flexible. It does not accept unsolicited requests and is prioritizing existing partners, with no immediate plans for new open application rounds.
Assets
$168.7M
Grants
205
Total Given
$51.5M
Atherton Family Foundation
Honolulu, HI
The Atherton Family Foundation funds Hawai‘i-serving nonprofits in arts and culture, community development, education, environment, health, human services, spiritual development, and youth development, with an emphasis on collaborative systems change. Its stated average awards for 2026 are about $13,500 for program grants and $41,500 for capital grants. It accepts applications through its online process at scheduled deadlines.
Assets
$82.9M
Grants
1
Total Given
$5.6M
Altres Foundation
Honolulu, HI
Assets
$4.8M
Grants
94
Total Given
$510K
Kahala NUI Senior Living Foundation Inc
Honolulu, HI
Kahala NUI Senior Living Foundation is a part of the kahala nui community of nonprofit organizations. The kahala nui community includes (a) kahala nui senior living, inc., the parent company; (b) kahala senior living community, inc., which owns and operates a continuing care retirement community, and (c) live well, which provides adult daycare services. The foundation conducts fundraising activities and accepts gifts and contributions on behalf of the kahala nui community. Funds are used primarily to make grants to or on behalf of the kahala nui community.
Assets
$13.1M
Grants
8
Total Given
$562K
Hawaii Realtors Charitable Foundation
Honolulu, HI
The Hawai‘i REALTORS® Charitable Foundation supports community efforts addressing food insecurity and providing housing for people in need, including disaster relief and food assistance, primarily in Hawai‘i. Its 2024 grants ranged from $200 to $3,000, with a median of $2,500. It offered applications for Maui wildfire housing assistance, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
$102K
Grants
568
Total Given
$1.3M
More Funders in Hawaii
American Association of University down — hundreds of funders to go?