AAUW Community Action Grants

The AAUW Community Action Grants provide up to $75,000 to support nonprofits and educational institutions that empower girls in grades K–12 to succeed in STEM fields. By fostering hands-on learning, mentorship, and family involvement, these grants aim to build confidence and skills among girls, especially those from underrepresented communities. AAUW believes that immersive STEM environments and relatable role models can inspire lasting interest and help close the gender gap in leadership and careers.

AAUW believes in building a more equitable future through transformative STEM education. Our Community Action Grants offer up to $75,000 to support nonprofits and educational institutions dedicated to helping girls in grades K–12 build the skills, confidence, and preparation they need to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
These grants are designed to support programs that provide hands-on learning, mentorship from women in STEM, family involvement, and confidence-building experiences. AAUW is particularly interested in reaching girls from historically underrepresented communities, ensuring that all young women can succeed in STEM fields.
Why We Do This Work
AAUW’s approach is rooted in the belief that when girls are immersed in supportive, engaging STEM environments — where they learn from relatable role models — they develop lasting interest, confidence, identity, and skills. This foundation not only helps them persist in STEM education and careers but also breaks down stereotypes, strengthens self-belief, and fosters the diverse leadership needed to close the gender gap.

Eligibility

Organizations must:
Be incorporated as a nonprofit with a federally designated tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code or be fiscally sponsored by an organization with 501(c)(3) status. Educational institutions such as K-12 schools are also eligible to apply.
Be U.S. based. Project must also be implemented in the United States.
Have a proven track record of designing and delivering programming for girls in grades K-12, or for emerging organizations, demonstrated organizational capacity and commitment to the proposed project. This may include:

• A well-developed plan that outlines how the project will be implemented, measured, and sustained
• A team with relevant experience, skills, or background that supports successful project execution
• A clear record of designing and implementing programs specifically for girls
• Ability to share specific examples of past programming, including insights and lessons learned
• Evidence of community trust and relationships with participants and their families
• Demonstrated support or collaboration from stakeholders, including community groups or other organizations

Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement. This may include:

• Established systems for gathering and responding to feedback from participants
• At least one concrete example of how programming has been adapted in response to insights gained
• Openness to ongoing refinement based on participant experiences
• For emerging organizations, a clear and intentional plan for incorporating learning into future program development

Reflect the communities served. This can take different forms:

• Having leadership and staff with lived experience in the communities served
• Authentic community engagement through advisory groups, listening sessions, or co-design processes
• Transparent practices for incorporating community input into decision-making

Demonstrate sound financial management. All applicants must demonstrate all three of the following requirements:

• Basic financial systems appropriate to the organization’s size and stage
• Ability to track grant expenditures and provide reports on fund usage
• Transparency about financial challenges or needs

Ineligibility

Organizations or educational institutions that include members of the AAUW Board of Directors, AAUW employees (including paid, unpaid, part-time, temporary, consultants, interns, and contract employees), AAUW review panelists, or any of their immediate family members who hold significant roles in decision-making or financial management are ineligible to apply.