The AAUW of Virginia State Board voted to establish mini-grants to provide financial assistance to branches in the areas of 1) membership promotion, 2) new member recruitment or 3) mission-based programming.  Branches are encouraged to promote special membership drives and programs.  Through community involvement at the local level, membership recruitment and retention can be improved which will enhance programs that focus more on AAUW’s mission of equity for women and girls.

Up to twelve projects will be funded.  Recipients will be geographically diverse, and projects will represent a variety of relevant activities.  Only one proposal per branch will be considered for funding. Proposed activities should be those which can be successfully developed, organized, and implemented by May 31, 2008. All applications must have the approval of the branch board and the signature of the Branch President or Branch Treasurer.

Each branch wishing to apply for a mini-grant must fill out the two page application form.  An evaluation form must be submitted thirty days after the grant-funded activity/event is completed. Branches will receive a response to their application within 30 days.

Application forms and additional information can be found at the links above. For more information, contact one of these committee members: Laura Wimmer, AAUW VA Co-State President, Lwim@aol.com; Judy Wright, Vice President for Program, msjwright42@comcast.net; and Mary Kate Black, Vice President for Membership, bbbmkb@cox.net.

Completed applications should be sent electronically to all three board members listed above or by mail to Laura Wimmer, 11485 Otter Run Drive, Ashland VA 23005-7547.