AAUW is a national organization that promotes education and equity for all women and girls.

AAUW is composed of two corporations:

AAUW, the primary 501(c)(3) corporation housing the membership, most of the assets, most of the programs, the Legal Advocacy Fund, programs of the former Leadership and Training Institute, research, and the fellowships and grants.

AAUW ACTION FUND, a small corporation solely for the purpose of voter education, voter guides, and related activities that cannot be carried out by a 501(c)(4) corporation.

Both are non-profits and are exempt from federal tax, but only contributions to the primary 501(c)(3) are tax-deductible for the donor.

Members belong to both corporations and their dues cover membership in both. A major portion of national dues are tax-deductible. Members vote directly on AAUW business.

AAUW History

AAUW was founded in 1881 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. From the beginning of its history, it has been active in the legislative process. Issues such as education, health care, reproductive choice, childcare, pay equity and discrimination against women have been addressed.

With education as its primary focus, AAUW founded the Educational Foundation in 1958 to offer financial support to graduate women.

With sex discrimination against women also high on its list of major injustices, AAUW founded the Legal Advocacy Fund in 1981 to address the issue of sex discrimination in colleges and universities.

AAUW Mission Statement

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.

There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or class.