AAUW International Project Grants 2026: Up to $10,000 for Women Leaders Advancing Gender Equity Worldwide

Women leaders committed to creating meaningful change in their communities now have an opportunity to secure funding through the AAUW International Project Grants 2026. Designed exclusively for AAUW International Fellowship Alumnae, this grant program supports community-based initiatives that promote gender equity and improve opportunities for women and girls around the world.

With grants of up to $10,000, the program empowers former AAUW International Fellows to apply their academic expertise, leadership skills, and professional experience to projects that generate direct and lasting impact in their home countries.

The initiative reflects AAUW’s long-standing commitment to advancing equity for women and girls through education, leadership development, and community engagement.

About the AAUW International Project Grants

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) established the International Project Grants program to help former International Fellowship recipients transform their academic knowledge into practical solutions that address gender inequality.

The program recognizes that many AAUW alumnae return to their home countries equipped with advanced education, professional expertise, and leadership experience. Through these grants, AAUW provides financial support that enables these women to launch, strengthen, or expand projects designed to improve the lives of women and girls.

The grants support initiatives that:

• Advance gender equity
• Empower women and girls
• Promote educational opportunities
• Strengthen communities
• Address social and economic inequalities
• Create sustainable local impact
• Support leadership development among women

Unlike traditional academic funding, these grants focus on practical, community-based interventions that generate measurable outcomes.

Grant Value

Successful applicants may receive funding of up to:

💰 Award Ceiling: $10,000

The grant funds are intended to support approved project activities during the grant period.

Recipients must maintain all grant funds in an account dedicated specifically to project purposes.

Purpose of the Grant

The International Project Grants aim to help AAUW alumnae:

• Apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges
• Expand opportunities for women and girls
• Lead impactful community initiatives
• Strengthen gender equality efforts
• Promote social and economic empowerment
• Build sustainable programs within their communities

Projects should demonstrate a clear commitment to advancing the status of women and girls within the applicant’s home country.

Who Can Apply?

The AAUW International Project Grants are awarded exclusively to individuals rather than organizations.

To qualify, applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.

Applicants Must:

1. Be or Identify as a Woman

The program is specifically designed to support women leaders and changemakers.

2. Be an AAUW International Fellowship Alumna

Applicants must have previously received an AAUW International Fellowship.

3. Have Successfully Completed Their Fellowship Program

Applicants must have:

• Completed the academic program funded through their AAUW International Fellowship
• Fulfilled all reporting requirements associated with the fellowship

These requirements must be completed by June 30 of the year of application.

4. Reside in Their Home Country

Applicants must live in their home country throughout the grant period.

5. Implement the Project in Their Home Country

The proposed initiative must be carried out within the applicant’s home country.

6. Serve as the Primary Project Director

Applicants must maintain full responsibility for:

• Programmatic decisions
• Budget management
• Administrative oversight
• Editorial decisions
• Project implementation

AAUW expects grant recipients to have direct control over all major aspects of the project.

Citizenship and Immigration Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be non-U.S. citizens, and
• Not hold U.S. permanent resident status

The program is intended specifically for international alumnae who are implementing projects outside the United States.

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

AAUW International Project Grants support community-based initiatives that contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Examples may include:

Education Initiatives

Projects that:

• Increase girls’ access to education
• Improve literacy rates
• Support STEM education for girls
• Provide vocational training opportunities

Economic Empowerment Programs

Initiatives focused on:

• Entrepreneurship
• Financial literacy
• Women’s employment opportunities
• Income-generation projects

Leadership Development

Programs that:

• Build leadership skills
• Mentor emerging women leaders
• Promote civic participation
• Strengthen women’s representation

Health and Well-Being

Projects addressing:

• Women’s health education
• Maternal health awareness
• Mental health support
• Community wellness initiatives

Gender Equality Advocacy

Programs designed to:

• Raise awareness of gender issues
• Reduce discrimination
• Promote women’s rights
• Support policy engagement

Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their proposed project will create measurable benefits for women and girls.

Selection Criteria

AAUW evaluates proposals based on several key factors.

Strong applications typically demonstrate:

Clear Impact

Applicants should explain:

• Who will benefit
• How the project will create change
• Expected outcomes and results

Community Relevance

Projects should address genuine needs within the local context.

Feasibility

AAUW looks for projects that can realistically be implemented within the grant period and budget.

Leadership Capacity

Applicants should demonstrate their ability to successfully manage and execute the project.

Sustainability

Projects should show potential for continued impact beyond the grant period.

Grant Timeline

Application Period

📅 September 16, 2024 – November 22, 2024

Applications must be submitted during this period.

Award Notification

📅 April 15, 2025

Applicants will be informed of funding decisions.

Grant Fund Disbursement

📅 July 2025

Funding may be distributed in full or in part.

Grant Period

📅 July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

All project activities should be implemented during this timeframe.

Interim Project Report

📅 December 15, 2025 (if applicable)

Some grantees may be required to submit a mid-project progress report.

Final Impact Report Deadline

📅 July 31, 2026

Grant recipients must submit a final report outlining project achievements, outcomes, and impact.

Important Funding Rules

Dedicated Project Account

Grant funds must be maintained in a dedicated account used solely for project purposes.

Approved Use of Funds

Funds may only be used:

• For approved project activities
• Within the approved grant period
• According to the finalized grant proposal

No Retroactive Funding

Grant funds cannot be used for:

• Expenses incurred before the grant start date
• Expenses incurred after the grant end date

unless prior written approval is obtained from AAUW.

Legal Compliance

Grantees must comply with:

• Local laws
• National regulations
• International legal requirements
• Relevant financial compliance standards

Tax Considerations

AAUW does not:

• Withhold U.S. taxes from grants
• Provide tax forms to grantees
• Offer tax advice

Recipients are responsible for determining whether any tax obligations exist in their home countries.

Applicants are encouraged to consult local tax professionals regarding grant-related tax requirements.

Why This Grant Matters

The AAUW International Project Grants represent more than financial support.

They provide former fellows with the opportunity to:

• Translate academic knowledge into action
• Address pressing gender challenges
• Strengthen communities
• Advance women’s rights
• Create sustainable local impact
• Expand leadership influence

By supporting alumnae-led initiatives, AAUW continues to invest in women leaders who are creating meaningful change worldwide.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should carefully review:

• Eligibility requirements
• Application guidelines
• Required documentation
• Grant policies

Applications must be submitted through AAUW’s official grant application process during the designated application period.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare their proposals well in advance to ensure they meet all requirements.

Apply Here 

Final Thoughts

The AAUW International Project Grants 2026 provide an exceptional opportunity for AAUW International Fellowship Alumnae to leverage their education, expertise, and leadership experience to improve the lives of women and girls in their home countries.

With funding of up to $10,000, the program empowers women leaders to implement impactful, community-based projects that address gender inequality and foster sustainable development.

For eligible alumnae seeking to create lasting change, this grant offers both the resources and recognition needed to turn ideas into meaningful action.

For more information on this grant/fellowship visit here

For more global grant/fellowship opportunities on OFY, visit here