Community Action Grants
The Morgan Hill Branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women) is committed to providing local and national support for AAUW’s mission, promoting equity for women and girls. The growing success of our annual Morgan Hill Wildflower Run fundraiser enables AAUW Morgan Hill to expand our local giving, and we are now awarding discretionary grants of up to $1000 each to local charitable organizations.
Grant applications for the 2026-2027 year open September 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted by November 3, 2026.
GRANT APPLICATIONTimeline
The 2026-2027 grant cycle will open in September. Community Action Grant applications must be received via Google Forms no later than November 3, 2026. Please send a message to grants@aauwmh.org if you have any questions about this application, or your submission. Successful applicants will be notified of their selection by Giving Tuesday. Funding must be used by June 30, 2027.
Application Criteria
Grants for up to $1000 each will be provided to local non-profit organizations requesting funding for a specific program or expense that is in alignment with AAUW’s mission. An organization may request funding for more than one project or program, but separate applications are required for each.
2026 Recipients of $8,500 in Grants:
| Recipient | Project |
|---|---|
| BookSmart Community Advantage | Purchase 117 Spanish-language books. The books will be distributed free to area children. |
| Britton Middle School | Two Listening Labs, and seating, to help students improve their reading skills. |
| Martin Murphy Middle School | Computer programming club purchase of three new Chromebooks, increasing the speed at which the students can learn. |
| PA Walsh Mini Mermaids Running Club | Costs of registration, workout shirts, reusable water bottles, healthy snacks, and personal hygiene items. |
| South Valley Science & Engineering Initiative | Help keep the 2026 EXPLORE STEAM Fair free to the public, and allow for hand-on activities for attendees. |
| Maintenance for Moms | Support necessary vehicle repairs for a Morgan Hill mother, restoring her and her family’s access to reliable transportation. |
| Ann Sobrato STEMpowerment Club | Allow this all-girls STEM club to create 10 STEM kits for area K-8 classrooms, with each kit supporting 25-30 students. |
| Morgan Hill Community Adult School | Cover the testing costs for six students to take the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). These students are working hard towards completing this step of their education, and paying for the test will not be a barrier to completion. |
| Gavilan College STEM | Support the 2026 Science Alive STEM Fair, allowing area middle school students to engage in hands-on science activities led by Gavilan faculty and local STEM professionals. |
Here are some of our 2025 grant recipients:
Martin Murphy Middle School Computer Lab Upgrade
—
Sobrato High School Field Hockey uniforms and supplies
AAUW Climate Action / MH Farmers’ Market plastic bag-free initiative
—
South Valley Civic Theatre (SVCT) costumes for teen production of Mean Girls
Additional Application Considerations
Priority consideration will be given to grant requests in support of:
- A local non-profit organization that is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue code.
- A specific program or expense that is in alignment with AAUW’s mission. Examples include:
- broad based education programs, for any age group.
- education programs targeted at underserved segments of the population.
- programs specifically targeted at equity for women and girls.
- Events, programs, or projects that have a broad reach or impact, with the opportunity to create long-term value.
- Programs that support individuals from the Morgan Hill community, as defined by the boundaries of the Morgan Hill Unified School District.
- Programs that charge minimal or no fees to participate.
We do not anticipate awarding grants to:
- Benefit Individuals or families. (Note: we also offer a separate scholarship program; see our website, www.aauwmh.org for details)
- For-profit entities.
- Support political or religious purposes.
- Cover costs already incurred.
- Support fundraising events (door prizes, raffles, auctions, etc.).
- Cover operational expenses (except perhaps in the case of a start-up proposal).
- Programs or organizations located outside of the South Bay area.