AAUW’s General Operating Support Grants

The Career Development Grants program is administered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), a longstanding nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. AAUW is dedicated to advancing gender equity through education and advocacy, and this grant program reflects its commitment to closing gender gaps in high-demand, male-dominated industries, particularly within STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). The grant aims to assist women who are pursuing credentials or certifications necessary for entering or advancing in these fields, especially in positions of leadership or decision-making roles. The Career Development Grants are designed to support women undertaking short-term, accredited educational programs such as certificates, credentials, or executive training. These programs must lead to measurable employment outcomes within 6 to 12 months. AAUW places particular emphasis on applications from women already employed in STEM fields who are seeking to transition into higher-level roles. This includes leadership development or executive training necessary for promotion or expanded responsibility. All funding provided through the grant is intended solely for individual use by the recipient, and disbursement is made in full at the start of the grant term or academic program. Each grant awards up to $8,000 and may be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, or other program-related costs. AAUW ensures that the funds are paid directly to grantees and does not allow partial or deferred disbursement. The grant does not support programs outside of high-demand STEM areas or those that do not clearly lead to tangible career advancement or employment within a short time frame. The application process is highly competitive and conducted on a rolling basis, with three review cycles each year. Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, alignment with AAUW's mission, and the availability of funds. For the 2025–2026 cycle, the application deadlines are September 30, 2025, December 31, 2025, and March 31, 2026. Corresponding review periods follow in October 2025, January 2026, and April 2026. Award notifications are issued in the months following the reviews, and funds are disbursed in December 2025, March 2026, and June 2026 respectively. Applicants are advised to submit early and ensure their application is complete, as incomplete or incorrect applications will not be reviewed. There are no opportunities to edit or resubmit once an application is submitted, and AAUW does not accept late materials or grant deadline extensions. No feedback is provided for incomplete or rejected applications, and all documentation must be submitted by the stated deadline without exception. Eligibility is limited to women pursuing STEM careers, particularly those seeking to advance through additional training. While specific demographic eligibility details are not listed in the grant overview, the focus on women in underrepresented industries implies that individual applicants are the primary eligible category. Contact information for AAUW includes their main office address at 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 and their phone number at 202.785.7700. No specific contact person or email is listed for the Career Development Grants program.