Funding Amount

Up to $25,000

Deadline

November 20, 2026

52 days left

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle
Annual
Current deadline
November 20, 2026
Tracked since
April 2026

Deadlines typically fall in: November

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Eligible organizations

  • Enrolled in accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university

Geography

  • Citizen or legal permanent resident of U.S. or Canada at time of nomination

Other requirements

  • Nominated by a local P.E.O. chapter
  • Minimum bachelor's degree
  • Within two years of bachelor's degree graduation
  • At least one full academic year of work remaining to complete doctoral-level degree (as of August 1 when first payment is made)

Not eligible / not funded

  • Not eligible: Evaluated on nondiscriminatory basis (race, age, national origin, religious affiliation, disability, P.E.O. connection not considered)

Overview

P.E.O. Scholar Awards

Purpose: Provide substantial merit-based awards for women pursuing doctoral-level degrees at accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. and Canada.

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada only

Eligibility:

  • Nominated by a local P.E.O. chapter
  • Citizen or legal permanent resident of U.S. or Canada at time of nomination
  • Minimum bachelor's degree
  • Within two years of bachelor's degree graduation
  • At least one full academic year of work remaining to complete doctoral-level degree (as of August 1 when first payment is made)
  • For multiple-degree programs (e.g., M.D./Ph.D.), must be within two years of completing entire program
  • Enrolled in accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university
  • Study abroad permitted if enrolled in U.S. or Canadian institution
  • Evaluated on nondiscriminatory basis (race, age, national origin, religious affiliation, disability, P.E.O. connection not considered)

Selection Criteria:

  • Proposal's potential to make significant contributions in field or positive impact on society
  • Recommendations from three university professors or professional mentors
  • Evidence of scholarly activities (publications, presentations, patents, performances)
  • Academic awards and honors (honor societies, scholarships)
  • Academic record and career objectives

Award Types:

  • Endowed Scholar Award: Top scholar supported by special endowed funds held by P.E.O. Foundation; donor/family selects name designation
  • Named Scholar Award: Gift or bequest by individual(s) and/or chapter(s) equal to award amount; donor selects name designation

Background: Scholars have pursued fields including medicine, nursing, microbiology, immunology, English, rhetoric, composition, neuroscience, psychology, creative writing, physics, ecology, geography, biochemistry, aerospace engineering, aeronautics, astronautics, astrophysics, veterinary medicine, chronic disease epidemiology, history, engineering, anthropology, political science, urban planning, chemical engineering, environmental science, conservation, music, and public health.

How to Apply

Application Process

Nomination Timeline:

  • Chapter nomination period: August 20 - November 20 each year

  • Applicant notification of award status: by May 1
  • Steps:
    1. Local P.E.O. chapter nominates qualified candidate between August 20 and November 20
    2. P.E.O. Executive Office emails applicant with instructions and online application link
    3. Nominee has 45 days to complete online application packet
    4. Nominee submits by individually designated due date
    5. Award notification sent by May 1
    6. Prospective scholars must agree to conditions of acceptance

    Required Materials:

  • Information about research or essay on significance of applicant's chosen field

  • Three letters of recommendation (from university professors or professional mentors)

  • Evidence of scholarly activities (publications, presentations, patents, performances)

  • Academic awards and honors documentation

  • Official academic records

  • Career objectives statement
  • Nomination Dates for Future Years:

  • Fall 2026 nomination: for 2027-2028 academic year (graduation 4/2028-8/2029)

  • Fall 2027 nomination: for 2028-2029 academic year (graduation 4/2029-8/2030)

  • Fall 2028 nomination: for 2029-2030 academic year (graduation 4/2030-8/2031)

  • Fall 2029 nomination: for 2030-2031 academic year (graduation 4/2031-8/2032)
  • What PEO Sisterhood OK State Chapter actually gave

    Source: IRS Form 990, 2026

    Grants in 2026
    8
    Total given
    $190K
    Median grant
    $23K
    Range
    $9,205–$53K
    • By dollars: Iowa 66%, Missouri 28%, Oklahoma 6%. Top recipient cities: Des Moines, IA; Nevada, MO; Broken Arrow, OK.
    • 0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.

    Example grants

    • Cottey College · Nevada, MO

      Gen SuppScholarship

      $53K

    • PEO Program for Contin Ed · Des Moines, IA

      Education Grants

      $25K

    • PEO Star Scholarship · Des Moines, IA

      Scholarships

      $24K

    • PEO Educational Loan Fund · Des Moines, IA

      Education Loan

      $23K

    • PEO Scholar Awards · Des Moines, IA

      Education Awards

      $22K

    IRS Form 990, 2026. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    • Women
    • Education
    • Science research

    Categories

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