Branch Mini-Grants

The Board of Directors of AAUW Maryland has budgeted $500 for the state Mini-Grant Program for the 2026-2027 program year, which ends June 30, 2027. This is the fifth year of the Mini-Grant Program.

The 2026 Mini-Grant application period opens January 15, 2026, and applications are being accepted through June 15, 2026. Branches awarded mini-grants must submit all receipts by June 30, 2027, to the AAUW-MD Treasurer. Grant applications for previous award winners may be viewed at the bottom of this page.

  • Applications must be submitted by June 15, 2026.

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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; 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 the Mini-Grant-Application-Form. 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, 2026—June 30, 2027.
  • 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 30, 2027, 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