The International Federation of University Women is a large, international organization with 67 member countries dedicated to promoting lifelong learning for women. They do so, in large part, by offering financial support to students and organizations. The American Association Education Foundation, an IFUW affiliate, alone gives over $2 million every year in grants and fellowships. Prerequisites to apply for the international grants are fairly general; student applicants must be women members pursuing postgraduate study, research or training.
Former grants include the the Dorothy Leet Grant, which was awarded to a graduate student analyzing the effect of female genital mutilation on women and young girls in the 2008/2009 award year. The Winifred Cullis Grant, given in the same year, went to a graduate student studying wind turbines and aeromechanical design.
International Federation of University Women Headquarters
10 rue du Lac
CH-1207 Geneva
Switzerland
ifuw.org
The Ninety-Nines, Inc: International Organization of Women Pilots is a nonprofit, charitable organization of licensed women pilots. Formed in 1929, Ninety-Nines, Inc. is known for its accomplished members and former members, including Amelia Earhart--the organization's first president.
The Ninety-Nines, Inc. offers many financially supportive awards, including Amelia Earhart Research Scholar Grants, which aim to provide a working environment for recognized scholars and scientists wishing to increase global knowledge of women in aviation and aerospace. Grants can be used to complete requirements for advanced degrees, such as doctorates.
The Ninety-Nines, Inc.
4300 Amelia Earhart Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
800-994-1929
ninety-nines.org
The AAUW, formerly known as the American Association of University Women, is one of the largest sources of funding for graduate women. The organization offers several grants and fellowships. Perhaps the most generally applicable to women doctoral students are the American Fellowships, a program providing fellowships and grants to women working on their dissertations. Candidates for these awards should not only have an excellent academic resume, but also be active in helping women and girls.
Opportunities include the Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship ($30,000) for 1 year of support immediately following completion of the Ph.D. The Dissertation Fellowship ($20,000) is provided to women completing their dissertations. To qualify for the latter, candidates must have completed all course work, passed all required preliminary examinations and received approval for their research proposal or plan.
AAUW
1111 Sixteenth St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
800 326 2289
aauw.org
The Philanthropic Education Organization (P.E.O.) International is an organization offering grants, scholarships, awards and low-interest loans to women pursuing their education. While women may apply to several programs, the P.E.O. Scholar Award is a merit-based program specifically designed to help women complete graduate degrees, including doctoral studies.
P.E.O. International Headquarters
3700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
515-255-3153
peointernational.org
There are literally thousands of grants, scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities available for doctoral students, so it is important to use those research skills to investigate all your options.
Web-based search tools can be very helpful. Your university may offer its own search engines for funding opportunities, particularly if it's large. Other great resources are Fastweb.com, the Yahoo Directory, the National Science Foundation, The National Endowment for the Humanities, Students.gov, and the American Indian Graduate Center.