Fellowship and Grant Opportunities for Women

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) recently launched the current competition for their American Fellowships and other funding opportunities. All American Fellowship applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, but cannot apply for more than one American Fellowship.  Awards will be given toward research during the 2019-2020 academic year. Applications are due November 1.

The American Fellowships program offers three types of awards:

  • Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowships are for women who will have a doctoral degree at the time of application.  Several $30,000 awards are available for women in all disciplines.  Applicants cannot be tenured.
  • Dissertation Fellowships are for women who will finish writing between April 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. Several $20,000 awards are available to women in all disciplines. Applicants must have completed all course work, passed all preliminary examinations, and received approval for their research by November 1, 2018.
  • Short-Term Research Publication Grants are for untenured college faculty and independent researchers to prepare for publication. Several $6,000 awards are available. Applicants must be available for eight consecutive weeks of final writing, editing, and responding to issues raised in critical reviews. Applicants must have a doctoral degree at time of application.

In addition to the American Fellowships program, the AAUW funds other programs for female researchers or those focused on women and girls:

  • Career Development Grants support women who hold a bachelor’s degree and are preparing to advance their careers, change careers, or re-enter the work force. Awards are up to $12,000. Applications are due November 15.
  • International Fellowships are awarded for full-time study or research to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Awards range from $18,000 to $30,000 depending on level of degree attainment. Applications are due November 15. Awardees are also eligible to compete for International Project Grants.
  • Community Action Grants offer one-year grants (up to $7,000) which provide seed money for new projects, and two-year grants (up to $10,000) which provide start-up funds for longer-term programs that address the particular needs of the community and develop girls’ sense of efficacy. Applications are due December 1.
  • Selected Professions Fellowships are for women who intend to pursue a full-time course of study in a designated degree program where participation traditionally has been underrepresented by women or women of color.  Awards are up to $18,000.  Applications are due December 1.
  • Research Publication Grant in Engineering, Medicine, and Science funds women conducting research that will culminate in a scholarly publication. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in engineering, medicine, or the physical or biological sciences. Awards are up to $35,000. Applications are due December 1.