One of the most common questions we receive is who can participate in The FAWCO Foundation’s programs and what the eligibility requirements are. To make the process easier to understand, we recently reviewed and clarified the eligibility requirements for both our Development Grants and Education Awards programs.
While the complete eligibility requirements remain available on each program page, this overview highlights the purpose of each program, who may participate, and where to find additional information.
Development Grants: Supporting Community Impact
The Development Grants Program reflects the passions and interests of FAWCO Member Clubs and FAUSA. Through this program, clubs nominate projects they know and support in their local communities and around the world.
Each FAWCO Member Club and FAUSA may nominate up to two projects in a given year.
To be eligible:
- The nominating club must have been a member of FAWCO for at least 12 months.
- The club or FAUSA must be in good standing.
- The club must have actively supported the nominated project for at least six months before submitting a nomination.
- Previous Development Grant recipients may be nominated again after a three-year waiting period.
- Certain Target-related restrictions apply, although non-shortlisted Target projects may still be eligible if all grant requirements are met.
These requirements help ensure that nominated projects have an established relationship with the club and that grant funding supports organizations already known to and supported by the FAWCO community.
View the full Development Grant Eligibility Requirements document
Education Awards: Investing in People
The Education Awards Program supports educational opportunities for FAWCO members and their families through three distinct award categories.
Academic Awards
Academic Awards are available to children and, where applicable, grandchildren of FAWCO Club Members, FAUSA members, and Individual Members.
Applicants must meet age and membership requirements and may not have previously received an Academic Award.
Dual Cultural Award
The Dual Cultural Award recognizes young people who have grown up navigating multiple cultures and international experiences.
Applicants must meet age, residency, and citizenship-related requirements and must be connected to a FAWCO Club Member, FAUSA member, or Individual Member.
Recipients of the Dual Cultural Award may later apply for an Academic Award, provided the required waiting period has passed.
Member Award
The Member Award supports educational pursuits of FAWCO Club Members, FAUSA members, and Individual Members themselves.
Applicants must meet membership requirements and may not have previously received a Foundation Academic Award or Member Award.
View the full Education Award Eligibility Requirements document
Why Were the Requirements Updated?
The updated eligibility requirements are intended to improve clarity and consistency across Foundation programs.
While the core purpose of each program remains unchanged, the revised documents provide clearer guidance on membership requirements, participation criteria, nomination expectations, and eligibility timelines.
Our goal is to make it easier for clubs, members, and applicants to determine whether they qualify before beginning the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my club need to donate to The FAWCO Foundation for someone to apply for an Education Award?
No. Eligibility for Education Awards is not dependent on whether a club has made a contribution to Foundation programs. Applicants must, however, meet all membership and award-specific requirements.
Can a club nominate a project it has only recently discovered?
No. For Development Grants, the nominating club must have supported the project for at least six months prior to submitting a nomination.
Can a previous Development Grant recipient be nominated again?
Yes. A project may be nominated again after a three-year waiting period.
Can a Dual Cultural Award recipient later apply for an Academic Award?
Yes. Recipients may apply for an Academic Award after the required waiting period.
What if my family transfers from one FAWCO club to another?
For Education Awards, applicants may still meet membership requirements if the transfer occurs with less than a three-month interruption in membership.
Learn More
For complete eligibility details and application information, please visit the program pages below:
- Development Grants Program
- Development Grant Eligibility Requirements
- Education Awards Program
- Education Award Eligibility Requirements
Questions about either program? We are always happy to help. Contact The FAWCO Foundation for guidance before beginning an application.
