Scholarships are created by companies, organizations, individuals, and foundations to create an impact in an area that typically aligns with their mission or philosophy. Many companies are creating opportunities to encourage inclusion and diversity by adding specific criteria to their scholarship requirements and policies. The criteria often spotlight opportunities for students who belong to specific groups of scholarship seekers. One of those groups is students who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. This expansion of opportunities is exciting for LGBTQ+ scholarship seekers as well as their allies.
Scholarship opportunities for LGBTQ+ students
The following are some examples of scholarships that have been created by companies and organizations for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.
The Pride Foundation Scholarships
The Pride Foundation is one obvious place to look for scholarships for LGBTQ+ students. But did you know they allow you to apply for more than 60 scholarships with just one application? That makes it easy to increase your chances of winning money for college! These scholarships are regional and only available to residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington. The deadline for the application falls around January 5 each year.
Related: Scholarship Search Spreadsheet Template
Out To Protect Scholarship and Grant Programs
Out To Protect is an organization that supports law enforcement professionals and students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. The group offers one scholarship for students enrolled in law enforcement training programs—the John Reinert Student Scholarship, worth $1,000 and awarded in June and December each year—as well as three grant programs for law enforcement agencies and libraries to help combat homophobia. The online applications for each opportunity are available to submit year-round.
#TransgenderFirst Scholarship
Sponsored by OnlineDegree.org, the #TransgenderFirst Scholarship is open to transgender and nonbinary US citizens who are planning to pursue or are currently pursuing a degree at an accredited US college or university. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED with a goal of earning a bachelor's, master's, or certificate. The award is for $2,500, and the deadline is December 31 each year.
The Point Foundation LGBTQ Scholarship Fund
The Point Foundation's goal is to fund the LGBTQ+ leaders of tomorrow for greatness. The organization offers three scholarships for LGBTQ+ students of all levels (including two-year and community college, four-year college or university, and graduate students) to help support intersectional identities within the larger LGBTQ+ community. Point Scholars also have access to mentorship and coaching, leadership activities, community service opportunities, and internships. Students may not receive more than one scholarship at a time, but prior recipients are eligible to reapply each year. Check out their opportunities below:
- The Flagship Scholarship: Financial award based on need for LGBTQ+ students earning a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree; renewable for up to four years; applications open in the fall
- Community College Scholarship: $2,400 per semester or $4,800 per academic year for LGBTQ+ students earning their associate degree or intending to transfer to a four-year college or university in the US; application period opens in the fall and ends February 22
- BIPOC Scholarship: Awards up to $1,500 for LGBTQ+ students who are also Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; applications open in the fall
Related: Great Colleges and Universities for LGBTQ+ Student Support
Scholarships for allies
Have you been and continue to be a supportive ally to an individual or group? Standing up with others can serve to empower and strengthen them in their fight for their rights. If you’re a scholarship seeker, being an ally can also potentially serve to increase your scholarship opportunities. The following are examples of awards that are open to LGBTQ+ students as well as their allies.
eQuality Scholarship Collaborative
The eQuality Scholarship Collaborative offers several opportunities to students who are residents of Northern or Central California—including high school seniors and community college students—as well as graduates of Oakland Unified School District high schools and students pursuing medical degrees at accredited schools in California. Applicants who fit this criteria must also have demonstrated service to the LGBTQ+ community, and finalists will be interviewed via Zoom video conference or phone. Students of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible for these awards of $6,000 and should apply by the January 31 deadline.
Acorn Equality Fund
The Acorn Equality Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of scholarships and grants to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, organizations, and allies, making a positive impact on many lives. Awards are given in six categories based on various academic, financial need, and volunteerism criteria, including:
- Acorn and Feeney Scholarships: Based on academics, volunteerism, and community advocacy
- Central Illinois Friends Scholarship: Based on academics and a commitment to public health
- Korty & Morton Scholarship: Based on volunteerism, community advocacy, and financial need
- Luke Scholarship: Based on academics and financial need
- McKeon Scholarship: Based on academics, volunteerism, and political advocacy
- Weber-Tucker Scholarship: Based on academics and social (or family) hardship
Scholarships range from $1,000–$4,000, with a total of $40,000 awarded. Applications are available starting in May and are due in September each year.
Related: Scholarship FAQ: Expert Advice to Start Your Search With Confidence
Remember, when applying for scholarships, your search categories should include everything about you, which means identifying who you are or who you stand up for as an ally. Don’t let any opportunities pass you by!
Have you found the right school where you can use these scholarships? Explore and connect with LGBTQ-supportive colleges by browsing through our featured Diversity School Profiles!
