Women and Girls in Astronomy Program

The Women and Girls in Astronomy Program is administered by Associated Universities under the International Astronomical Union North American Regional Office of Astronomy for Development. This initiative is designed to support the advancement of women, girls, and underrepresented genders within astronomy and broader STEM fields. The program operates within a regional framework that includes Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Greenland, and emphasizes the use of astronomy as a tool for development, education, and social impact. The funding opportunity reflects a broader mission to improve equity, representation, and leadership pathways in scientific disciplines that have historically lacked diversity. The purpose of this mini-grant program is to fund innovative, community-based projects that foster inclusion and participation in astronomy. Projects must align with at least one of the five strategic goals defined by the North American Regional Office of Astronomy for Development. While the specific goals are not detailed in the provided materials, applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear connection between their project activities and these strategic priorities. The program encourages applicants to approach astronomy from a variety of perspectives, including scientific, social, technical, cultural, and artistic frameworks, allowing for interdisciplinary and creative proposals. Funding is provided in the form of mini-grants with a fixed award amount of 2000 USD per project. The program intends to fund approximately ten projects, suggesting a limited and competitive funding pool. While detailed allowable cost categories are not specified, the emphasis on community-based and development-focused projects implies that funds are intended to support program implementation, outreach, and engagement activities rather than capital expenditures or large-scale research infrastructure. There is no indication of a required cost share or matching contribution, suggesting that the funding is provided without a mandatory financial match. Eligibility for the program is broadly inclusive, as the announcement explicitly states that everyone is welcome to apply. However, proposed projects must address barriers faced by women, girls, and underrepresented genders in astronomy and STEM fields. Projects must also be geographically located within the eligible regions and demonstrate a commitment to promoting equity, access, and meaningful participation. This suggests that while individuals and organizations may apply, proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with the program’s inclusion goals and their potential for community impact. The application process requires submission of a project proposal by the stated deadline. While specific submission platforms or required documents are not detailed, applicants are directed to application forms available in English, Spanish, and French, indicating an accessible and multilingual submission process. The deadline for submission is May 31 at 11:59 pm local time, and applicants are encouraged to review the full call for proposals for additional guidance. There is no mention of a pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent or concept paper. Projects funded under this program must complete their activities no later than December 10, 2026, indicating a defined project period of approximately six to seven months from the application deadline. A final report is required by the end of the calendar year, suggesting that grantees must document outcomes and demonstrate the impact of their work. While specific evaluation criteria are not outlined, the emphasis on alignment with strategic goals and addressing barriers to participation implies that proposals will be assessed on relevance, feasibility, and potential impact. No specific contact person or direct contact information is provided in the materials, and applicants are instead directed to additional resources such as the call for proposals and press release for further details.