Community Action Grant

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) administers the Community Action Grants program as part of its broader mission to advance gender equity in education and the workplace. Founded to champion the rights and opportunities of women and girls, AAUW has developed this initiative specifically to increase representation and confidence of girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program reflects AAUW’s recognition of systemic barriers that have historically limited participation of girls, especially those from underrepresented communities, in STEM fields. The purpose of the Community Action Grants is to support community-based, innovative programs that provide K–12 girls with skills, confidence, and motivation to pursue STEM higher education and career pathways. AAUW emphasizes hands-on experiences, mentorship from women in STEM careers, involvement of families, and the creation of environments that help girls develop strong STEM identities. Projects must focus on addressing barriers that hinder participation and should be designed to have a lasting impact on the students and communities served. Funding is available up to $75,000 for nonprofit organizations and educational institutions that demonstrate the capacity to deliver high-quality programming. Proposals are expected to include clear program designs, measurable outcomes, sustainable strategies, and an emphasis on community-centered approaches. Although award amounts may vary by project, applicants must provide a budget summary and indicate the total project budget, requested funding from AAUW, and other sources of support if applicable. While the program outlines allowable spending, applicants are expected to design budgets that align with project objectives and AAUW’s priorities in advancing gender equity in STEM. Eligibility is restricted to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status or those fiscally sponsored by such organizations, as well as educational institutions such as K–12 schools. Eligible organizations must have a proven record of designing or delivering programming for girls in grades K–12 or, if emerging, demonstrate strong organizational capacity and commitment. Organizations must show evidence of community trust, stakeholder collaboration, and the ability to learn and adapt from participant feedback. Applications will be disqualified if they fail to meet criteria related to incorporation, location, or financial transparency. The application process begins with a required Letter of Interest (LOI), submitted through the AAUW online portal. LOIs must provide a project summary, theory of change, description of community need, program approach, organizational capacity, and a budget overview. AAUW staff review LOIs for alignment with mission, community focus, scalability, learning orientation, and readiness to execute. Selected organizations will then be invited to submit a full application. The full application process expands on the LOI elements, providing greater detail on implementation and expected outcomes. The program follows a defined timeline. Letters of Interest are due October 31, 2025, and decisions on invitations will be made on a rolling basis through November 21, 2025. Invited applications may be submitted between November 2025 and January 2026, with reviews conducted in February and March 2026. Award notifications will be issued on April 15, 2026, and funds will be disbursed beginning in July 2026. The program is expected to recur annually, creating predictable opportunities for organizations to apply in future cycles. AAUW evaluates applications based on program design, potential for measurable impact, community understanding, and evidence of organizational learning. While contact names and direct emails are not provided, AAUW may be contacted at its national office at 1310 L St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 or by phone at 202.785.7700 for inquiries. This structure allows applicants to assess their readiness and alignment with AAUW’s mission before committing to the full application process .

Alignment with mission, community focus, scalability, learning mindset, and readiness prioritized.