1DF Presents: The Paliwal Club of 100
1,000 Dreams Fund and the Ila and Dinesh Paliwal Foundation are partnering to launch the Paliwal Club of 100, a scholarship initiative aimed at fueling the dreams of talented women in need who aspire to careers in the S.T.E.A.M. and music fields.
Over the next 10 years, students will annually be able to apply to our two Paliwal Club of 100 Funds:
- Paliwal Club of 100 – STEAM Scholars Fund that will fund the dreams of 100 budding leaders in “S.T.E.A.M.” fields — science, tech, engineering, arts and math.
- Paliwal Club of 100 – Music Scholars Fund that will fund the dreams of 100 talented women pursuing careers in the music industry – whether as artists, performers, songwriters, producers, or in business.
Our future Paliwal Club of 100 grantees aim to set the standard in their respective fields. They will be able to put their microgrants toward life-changing opportunities like conference travel, tech devices, music and art equipment, ground-breaking projects — you name it. If you’re a highly motivated woman pursuing a STEAM or music career, send an application our way.
The Ila and Dinesh Paliwal Foundation is dedicated to creating positive social and economic outcomes for worldwide communities and their future leaders. By providing both financial and advisory support to underrepresented populations in science, tech, engineering, arts and math and in music, the foundation promotes innovation across the board.
An absence of gender diversity in technical and creative fields is unacceptable, and it’s time leaders and companies take meaningful action to drive change for future generations. Through our work with 1,000 Dreams Fund we will create pathways to encourage and support the education, research and career aspirations of high potential female students that may not otherwise have the means to pursue their talents.
Dinesh and ILA Paliwal - ILA is a classically trained Indian vocalist, songwriter and producer. Dinesh, the CEO of HARMAN, is an accomplished businessman and engineer by education. The couple have two children, Aasheesh and Shriya, who also advise the Family Foundation.
When you advance women in the arts and sciences, you advance society. Let’s do this.
Paliwal Club of 100 – STEAM Scholars Fund
Purpose: In partnership with the Ila and Dinesh Paliwal Foundation, 1DF created the Paliwal Club of 100 – STEAM Scholars Fund, a new scholarship fund specifically to support high potential young women in S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) with the intent to help accelerate their progress while in school through their transition into the workforce.
The 1,000 Dreams Fund – Paliwal Club of 100 provides one-time financial assistance to eligible women to help with expenses such as research-related costs, travel to conventions and/or educational conferences, graduate school exam or entry fees, and instructional programs related to creative, artistic or scientific pursuits. This grant is not intended for everyday expenses (e.g., utility bills, food costs) or costs related to medical care. Our aim is to provide access to educational opportunities beyond tuition.
Criteria: To be eligible for this grant you must be woman and currently enrolled in a two-year, four-year college/university or graduate school in the U.S. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Applications must include at least two letters of recommendation and an essay explaining how the grant would be used. Selection will be based on application contents, financial need and information gathered from letter(s) of recommendation. Previous recipients are not eligible to reapply.
Guidelines: Applications must be submitted by the deadline below to be considered.
Amount: Ten (10) grants of $1,000 will be awarded in 2025. Grants are not renewable, however, non-selected applicants may re-apply.
Application Opens: Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Deadline: Friday, December 5, 2025. Winners will be announced on or around January 15, 2026.
Paliwal Club of 100 – Music Scholars Fund
Purpose: In partnership with the Ila and Dinesh Paliwal Foundation, 1DF created the Paliwal Club of 100 – Music Scholars Fund, a new scholarship fund specifically to support high potential young women in music with the intent to help accelerate their progress while in school through their transition into the workforce.
The 1,000 Dreams Fund – Paliwal Club of 100 Music Scholars Fund provides one-time financial assistance to eligible women to help with expenses such as research-related costs, travel to conventions and/or educational conferences, graduate school exam or entry fees, and instructional programs related to creative or artistic pursuits. This grant is not intended for everyday expenses (e.g., utility bills, food costs) or costs related to medical care. Our aim is to provide access to educational opportunities beyond tuition.
Criteria: To be eligible for this grant you must be woman and currently enrolled in a two-year, four-year college/university or graduate school in the U.S. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Applications must include at least two letters of recommendation and an essay explaining how the grant would be used. Selection will be based on application contents, financial need and information gathered from letter(s) of recommendation. Previous recipients are not eligible to reapply.
Guidelines: Applications must be submitted by the deadline below to be considered.
Amount: Five (5) grants of $1,000 will be awarded in 2025. Grants are not renewable, however, non-selected applicants may re-apply.
Application Opens: Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Deadline: Friday, December 5, 2025. Winners will be announced on or around January 15, 2026.
FAQs
All women (18+) enrolled in a U.S. based institution – college, university, graduate school, etc. – are able to apply regardless of citizenship. You must show proof of current enrollment in a United States based school.
This program aims to support women pursuing degrees in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) related fields.
This educational assistance can include needs such as, but not limited to: educational conferences, instructional programs related to STEAM studies or related projects, graduate exam application fees, and textbooks. Ongoing needs such as tuition, room and board fees, etc. are NOT covered by this fund.
All women (18+) enrolled in a U.S. based institution – college, university, graduate school, etc. – are able to apply regardless of citizenship. You must show proof of current enrollment in a United States based school.
This program aims to support women pursuing degrees in music related fields.
This educational assistance can include needs such as, but not limited to: educational conferences, instructional programs related to music studies or related projects, graduate exam application fees, and textbooks. Ongoing needs such as tuition, room and board fees, etc. are NOT covered by this fund.
Email us directly at programs@1000dreamsfund.org for further questions.
Paliwal Club of 100 – STEAM Scholars Fund Winners
Shreya C., 21 – FUNDED
My dream is to work at the intersection of human spaceflight and engineering.
Angie T., 18 – FUNDED
My dream is to build a tech company dedicated to improving societal efficiency.
Camille K. – FUNDED
My dream is to use math and data-driven tools to solve real-world problems.
Madio W., 26 – FUNDED
My dream is to connect sustainably and authentically with the environment.
Mika M., 28 – FUNDED
My dream is to be a leader at the intersection of technology and business.
Aishat A., 30 – FUNDED
My dream is to be a development officer in international agriculture.
Maneeza K., 18 – FUNDED
My dream is to be an emergency physician for Doctors without Borders.
Paliwal Club of 100 – Music Scholars Fund Winners
Treshana L., 32 – FUNDED
My dream is to use music as a source of healing, empowerment, and connection.
Morgana N., 42 – FUNDED
My dream is to build a distinctive entertainment philanthropy consultancy.
Bella Michael P., 18 – FUNDED
My dream is to play beautifully, create intentionally, and lead purposefully.
Sophia Alfa, 21 – FUNDED
My dream is to be a performing artist, selling out concerts globally.