Institutions may use the funds either to bring a qualified scholar to the institution for a fixed period or to designate a scholar currently at the institution to undertake research activities that would not occur without such support. American Fellowships support women doctoral candidates completing dissertations, scholars seeking funds for postdoctoral research leave or for preparing completed research for publication. Applicants must be U.S citizens or permanent residents. Career Development Grants support women currently holding a bachelor's degree who are preparing to advance their careers, change careers, or re-enter the work force. Community Action Grants provide seed money to individual women, AAUW branches and AAUW state organizations, as well as local community-based nonprofit organizations for innovative programs or nondegree research projects that promote education and equity for women and girls.
Funds also support the teacher's professional development.
International Fellowships are awarded for full-time graduate or postgraduate study or research to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Supplemental grants support community-based projects in the fellow's home country. Selected Professions Fellowships are awarded to women who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who intend to pursue a full-time course of study during the fellowship year in designated degree programs where women's participation traditionally has been low.