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CAREER AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT GRANT

Are you a working woman seeking to enhance and improve your career? 

 

If the high cost of conferences, seminars, training, and certifications are holding you back from advancing in your field, apply for an AAUW Honolulu Career and Leadership Development Grant! 

 

We offer multiple grants (up to $4,000 each) each application cycle. Grants that request more than the $4,000 limit will NOT be reviewed. AAUW Maui will be offering an additional grant for up to $2,000 this year as well. This year we are focusing our grant funding exclusively on professional development conferences and career advancement opportunities for working professionals.

 

Grant funds can be used for:

  • Pursuing career-related designations, licensing, and the like

  • Trade certifications and licensing

  • Conference registration fees (professional conferences only)

  • Airfare and related transportation costs

  • Hotel/accommodation costs (We do NOT cover food or incidentals)


Grant funds cannot be used for academic conferences food or incidentals, standardized admissions tests (e.g., MCAT, LSAT, GRE), research/data collection, or tuition for coursework toward an undergraduate or graduate degree. Unfortunately, Graduate student academic grants are not available for this funding cycle. See our FAQ section for more.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Women who are currently living and/or working in the State of Hawai‘i. You do not need to be an AAUW member to apply. Only one person, not a group, may apply per application. Those who have received a Career Grant in the past are NOT eligible to apply again. AAUW Honolulu Scholarship awardees for the current year are also ineligible for this grant.

WHAT’S THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?

The application cycle is open once a year. This year it is open from August 15-September 15, 2025. All application materials must be received by end of day (11:59pm HST) September 15, 2025. No late applications will be considered. Please sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about the next cycle dates.

HOW WILL APPLICATIONS BE EVALUATED?

Applications will be evaluated based on:

  • Professional Impact & Financial Advancement - How the opportunity will enhance skills, credentials, and earning potential in their field.

  • Community Benefit & Ripple Effect - How their professional development will positively impact immediate networks and broader communities.​

  • Career Trajectory & Personal Journey - How well the opportunity connects to their past experiences and future career goals.

  • Application Quality & Compliance - Clarity of communication, demonstrated benefit, and adherence to budget guidelines. Please read the information above and in the FAQs to ensure you follow our guidelines for our grant application.

WHAT DOES A COMPLETE APPLICATION INCLUDE?

  1. An application form (online submission) 

  2. A copy of your resume or CV (attach via the application)

  3. An itemized budget detailing estimated activity cost (attach via the application)

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All documents should be submitted as PDFs. REQUIRED: Download our example budget sheet to itemize your budget details for your proposed activity: 

Google Sheets >    XLSX File >

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Please note that those selected to receive grants will be required to show proof that they have been accepted into any corresponding conferences, programs, etc., prior to any monetary reimbursements. 

Got Questions? Check out our FAQ section, or contact us.

All application materials must be received by end of day (11:59pm HST) on the application deadline date. No late applications will be considered. Emails with questions submitted after 5pm HST will be answered the following business day.

Career and Leadership Development Grant

To apply, please take the time to fill out the information below. NOTE: * indicates required questions.

Section 1: Basic Information

Do you reside (work and/or study) in Hawai‘i?
Have you applied for an AAUW Honolulu Career and Leadership Development Grant previously?
Have you received a Career and Leadership Development Grant previously?
Have you received an AAUW or Tweet Coleman Aviation Scholarship previously?
Do you identify as a woman?
Career Grant: FAQ
Image by Sean Oulashin
Meet the 2024 Career and Leadership Development Grant Awardees 

AAUW National Fellowships and Grants

Follow in the footsteps of award-winning authors, scientists, scholars, changemakers and community leaders. AAUW National is providing millions of dollars in funding to hundreds of fellows and grantees each year. These exceptional recipients will pursue academic work and lead innovative community projects to empower women and girls.

Meet our fellows and grantees from across the nation, including Hawaii. Our comprehensive online directory includes biographies and sponsorship information for our outstanding AAUW National fellows and grantees going back to the 2004-05 academic year. Feel free to reach out to the grantees in Hawaii to learn from their experience with the application process.

You can also use the AAUW National contact us form to ask more questions. Within the drop down menu, you may select "Fellowships and Grants."

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