Did you know that AAUW is one of the world’s largest sources of funding for graduate women? For the academic year 2017-18, more than $3.7 million in fellowships and grants was awarded to 250 women and nonprofit organizations. And thanks to the longstanding generosity of AAUW members, a broad community of women continues to gain access to educational and economic opportunities.

The Sacramento branch’s 100^th Anniversary Grant Fund, when completed, will join AAUW’s extended family of stipend-producing Research and Projects Funds. Since 1972, Research and Projects Funds have provided support to hundreds of individuals and communities around the nation to advance education and equality for women and girls through Community Action Grants. While early projects sought to help women balance family and education or supported the establishment of women’s resource centers on college campuses, that phrase “to advance education and equality for women and girls” is today’s focus. Special consideration is given to applicants’ projects centered on K-12 and community college girls’ and women’s achievements in science, technology, engineering, and math. Grants are awarded to individuals, AAUW branches and state organizations, and to local community-based nonprofits for innovative programs or non-degree research projects that promote education and equality for women and girls. Projects have become increasingly collaborative and girl-focused, bringing together AAUW branches and local community groups (for example, Tech Trek started with an R & P grant).

Sacramento AAUW has a proud 100-year history of working to improve the lives and education of women and girls in the Sacramento region and beyond. Our Anniversary Fund will continue that tradition for years to come.