The Board of Directors of AAUW Maryland has included an additional $500 for the state Mini-Grant Program for the 2024-2025 program year, which ends June 30, 2025. This is the third year of the Mini-Grant Program.
The 2024-2025 Mini-Grant application period is now open, and applications are being accepted through June 15, 2024. Branches awarded mini-grants must submit all receipts by June 15, 2025, to the AAUW-MD Treasurer. Grant applications for previous award winners may be viewed at the bottom of this page.
- Applications must be for activities submitted by June 15, 2024.
By using mini-grants to support and advance public policy priorities, branches are able to address a wide variety of issues, including, but not limited to: economic security for women and families, including by closing the gender pay gap and supporting paid family/medical leave; Title IX, including eliminating campus sexual violence; access to health care; voting rights; human trafficking; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); promoting STEM studies/careers; fair, non-partisan redistricting; salary negotiation skills (Smart Start and/or Work Smart); and ratification of the ERA.
Application process and reporting requirements:
- Branches interested in applying for a public policy mini-grant must complete and submit an application. If multiple branches are collaborating on one activity, they only need to submit one application that lists each of the branches and points of contact.
- Planned activities for mini-grants must address an AAUW National or AAUW-MD diversity issue or public policy priority, which appear on each of the respective websites: www.aauw.org and aauw-md.aauw.net In addition, to the extent possible, each should reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion in their organization and objectives.
- By using mini-grants to support and advance public policy priorities, branches are able to address a wide variety of issues, including, but not limited to economic security for women and families. including by closing the gender pay gap and supporting paid family/medical leave; Title IX, including eliminating campus sexual violence; access to health care; voting rights; human trafficking; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); promoting STEM studies/careers; fair, non-partisan redistricting; salary negotiation skills (Smart Start and/or Work Smart); and ratification of the ERA.
- Innovative, creative projects will be given preferential consideration. Applicants are asked to indicate what additional financial resources are available for the project from other sources, if any, or if the mini-grant is expected to fund the entire project.
- Projects will not be renewed for more than two years duration without compelling justification. If a request for a mini-grant is submitted for a project that has been ongoing for two or more years, please explain why an exception to the two-year limit should be allowed for your proposal.
- What is the project’s enduring value to your branch and the community, and what alternative sources of funding are available to you, if any?
- How would the branch plan to sustain the project if you intend to conduct it for more than two years?
- We will review and judge all applications based on the above criteria as well as the following factors:
- Public policy focus
- Originality
- Outcomes anticipated
- Community outreach, including contribution to DE&I goals
- Membership recruitment
- Collaboration with other organizations
- Financial need for the funds requested
- Applications must be for activities completed any time from July 1, 2024—June 30, 2025.
- Mini-grants will be awarded in amounts from $50-$500, and proposals may be approved for a mini-grant that is less than the amount requested.
- In the event that a project funded by a mini-grant is canceled, there are two contingency plans:
- The branch will be permitted to retain the grant if the branch has documentable expenditures associated with the canceled project/event, or
- If the branch did not have any expenditures, then AAUW MD will retain the grant money.
- Mini-grant recipients will be required to submit a short report at the completion of their activity, along with paid receipts or invoices if applicable. Instructions will be sent with the mini-grant award letter.
- Branches awarded mini-grants must submit all receipts by June 15, 2025, to the AAUW-MD Treasurer.
- Branches awarded mini-grants will provide a brief report to the Mini-Grant Committee on the results of the project, level of participation, and any other information to document the activity. Pictures, if appropriate, are encouraged.
Previous Mini-Grant Projects