International Project Grants

The AAUW International Project Grants support women who have completed AAUW International Fellowships and are committed to improving the lives of women and girls in their home countries. These grants provide funding for community-based initiatives, empowering alumnae to leverage their academic expertise and leadership skills. Projects funded can address issues like securing property rights and creating safe workspaces, fostering gender equity and local empowerment.

Background
When AAUW International Fellows pursue education in the United States, their commitment to empowering women and girls in their home countries doesn’t end — and neither does their need for financial support.
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 and dignified workspaces for cassava producers, alumnae-led initiatives address urgent and deeply rooted equity challenges. By providing targeted funding, AAUW enables alumnae to drive meaningful, locally grounded change — supporting vulnerable yet resilient communities and creating pathways toward greater opportunity and empowerment for women and girls.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an International Project Grant, the applicant must meet the following requirements:The applicant must have successfully completed an AAUW International Fellowship, all reporting requirements for the fellowship, and the academic program for which they received the fellowship by June 30, 2021.The applicant must have citizenship in a country other than the United States.The project must be implemented in the applicant’s home country and have a direct, positive impact on women and girls.
The applicant must be the primary director of the project and be responsible for the project, with control over programmatic, administrative, fiscal, and editorial decisions.
International Project Grants are not available for the development of written work for academic credit or for research that will be used for a degree thesis or dissertation.
A person holding a current award is eligible for election or appointment to boards, committees, panels, and task forces.International Project Grant funds are available for, but not limited to:Nominal professional fees/honoraria (Amount cannot exceed 1/5 of grant request.)Supplies related to projectTemporary/hourly clerical helpOffice suppliesPostage, mailing, shippingPhotocopying, duplicatingLease of equipment or facilitiesMeals, food, beverages, or lodging for meetings, trainings, camps, or related activitiesAdvertising, publicity, and graphic designTransportation (Amount cannot exceed 1/3 of grant request; $.50 per mile for auto expenses.)

Ineligibility

Women holding dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country or who are permanent residents of the U.S., or who pursue either of those during the grant year are not eligible.
Members of the AAUW Board of Directors, committees, panels, task forces, and staff, including current interns, are not eligible to apply for AAUW’s fellowships and grants. International Project Grants are not available for the development of written work for academic credit or for research that will be used for a degree thesis or dissertation.Funds are not available for:Salaries or stipends for primary director, project directors, or permanent positions, or to reimburse employeesTuitionEducational scholarships, grants, or other payments for students and participantsPersonal expenses (shelter, vehicle, insurance)Building funds, construction, or renovationsPrevious expenditures, deficits, or loans (in existence at time of grant award)Overhead or general operating expenses for any organization or nonprofit organizationCreating or providing grants to other organizationsEntertainmentTravel expenses (unless directly related to project activities)Copyright or attorney feesFundraising activitiesPurchase of equipmentDevelopment of written work for academic credit or for research that will be used for a degree thesis or dissertation