Finder may earn compensation from partners, but editorial opinions are our own. Advertiser Disclosure
LGBTQ+ students and allies who are heavily involved in the community have a variety of scholarship opportunities to look into. While many are based on financial need, others consider your academic record and leadership skills instead.
When choosing these scholarships, we focused on options that celebrated students who were leaders in the LGBTQ+ community. We also looked for scholarships that offered a large payout and were based on both merit- and need-based criteria.
| Amount | Up to $13,500 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | January 28th |
| Eligibility requirements | To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
|
Things we love about the Point Foundation Scholarship: It’s open to a wide range of applicants, international students are welcome and it awards a decent chunk of change. This scholarship program is designed to cover any remaining financial need — up to $13,500 — after you’ve exhausted all other grant, scholarship, loan and work-study options. Aside from considering your financial need, the committee is also looking for a proven track record of leadership and community involvement, strong academic achievement and students who’ve worked to better the LGBTQ community.
| Amount | $10,000 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | March 31st |
| Eligibility requirements | To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
|
Graduating high school seniors from the tri-state area won’t want to pass up this sizable scholarship. Offered by the Live Out Loud Foundation, this program is designed to help LGBTQ youth with financial need pursue a college degree. Applicants are considered based on their past leadership and community service involvement, academic credentials and future goals.
| Amount | $1,000 to $10,000 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | March |
| Eligibility requirements | To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
|
The PFund Foundation Scholarship is open to such a wide range of people, you don’t even need to be enrolled in college to qualify. Anyone who can show proof they want to develop their leadership skills to further support their local LGBTQIA community is encouraged to apply. Aside from completing an application, you need to provide two letters of recommendation from mentors or community members who can speak to your commitment to leadership in LGBTQIA communities.
| Amount | Up to $12,000 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | January |
| Eligibility requirements | To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
|
The Pride Foundation Scholarship is geared toward LGBTQ+ and allied student leaders in the Northwest looking to further their education. Unlike some scholarships, the funds can even be used for graduate school. Preference is given to students who show financial need and have a barrier to accessing education. You also must demonstrate leadership potential either within the LGBTQ+ community or your area of study.
| Amount | Up to $10,000 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | September 10th |
| Eligibility requirements | To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
|
The Rainbow Scholarship is unique in that it’s specifically designed to help LGBTQ+ college students pay for a study abroad program. You must be eligible to earn credit for the program, however, and it must be at least four weeks long. Along with the application, you also need to submit financial information from your school’s financial aid office and a letter of recommendation from a mentor, professor or supervisor.
| Amount | $5,000 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | June 1st |
| Eligibility requirements | To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
|
Pursuing a STEM degree? This scholarship is for you. Offered by the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals, its mission is to encourage students to be out in their careers and support diversity in the STEM workforce. Two scholarships are awarded each year to an undergraduate and graduate student, and funds can be used for both education expenses and research.
| Amount | $2,500 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | April 8th |
| Eligibility requirements | To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
|
LGBTQ persons of color from the tri-state area will want to pay extra attention to this scholarship. Up to three awards are given each year to applicants with strong leadership skills, community service involvement and academic credentials who can demonstrate financial need. Unlike other scholarships on this list, funds are disbursed both to you and your school — with $1,500 paid directly to you and $1,000 paid to your college. This means you can use this scholarship to cover education expenses outside of tuition and fees.
| Amount | $1,600 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | April 1st |
| Eligibility requirements | To qualify for this scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
|
For over 10 years, the Hampton Roads Pride Scholarship Program has awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships to LGBTQ students and allies. Four recipients are chosen each year based on factors like your service to the LGBTQ community, extracurriculars and educational goals. Though the organization is based out of Norfolk, Virginia, you don’t need to be local to apply.
Didn’t get enough scholarship money? Here are a few other options for covering your education expenses:
Explore your options by APR, minimum credit score, loan amount and loan term. Select the Get started button to start an application with a specific lender.
Whether you’re an LGBTQ+ student or an ally in the community, you have a variety of options when it comes to free money for college. And if you’re interested in learning more ways to fund your degree, take a look at our A-to-Z list of scholarships and our guide to student loans.
How do I start applying for scholarships?
Every scholarship has its own application process, so visit the organization’s website for specific directions. Some might require you to fill out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to demonstrate financial need, but not all.
Do scholarship funds have to be repaid?
No, the best part of scholarships is that they don’t need to be repaid. However, if you’re unable to fulfill the requirements of the scholarship, such as keeping a minimum GPA or remaining a full-time student, you could be required to return the funds you’ve already received.
Can I use my scholarship funds for expenses outside of my education?
It depends on the individual scholarship. Some might send the funds directly to your school to be applied to your tuition and fees. Others might send you a check directly. In this case, you can use the funds to cover things like living expenses, assuming your tuition and fees are paid for by a different funding source.
Teach your kids money management with these job ideas, including walking dogs, shovelings snow and teaching sports.
Golden 1 Credit Union’s New Generation Checking account is free for teens and comes with check-writing capabilities.
Take control of your money stress by learning to prioritise and plan your financial goals.
A teen checking account specifically designed for students with extra rewards for good academic performance.
Your Pen Air Level Up Spending account requires a membership that’s not location-based, so it can follow you nationwide.
PNC Virtual Wallet Student Checking is free for six years but can then get pricey.
Fast-track your child’s financial literacy by learning how to teach your kids about money.
MACU’s Teen Savings account earns little interest but remains free until your kid turns 26.
Put your money where your mouth is by rethinking how you invest to support BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities.
Certified physician assistant, money coach and keynote speaker on a mission to help others reach financial independence.
