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If you are gay, a lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you are a part of a minority group and may be eligible to receive lesbian scholarships, gay scholarships, gay grants and lesbian financial aid to finance your college education. Lesbian and gay scholarships and grants are awarded by both national and local organizations, and also by some community groups committed to helping the LGBT community. Scholarships, grants and financial aid can cover the costs of tuition and other college-related expenses, and make it that much easier to further your educational career.
What Are Lesbian and Gay Scholarships?
Lesbian and gay scholarships are designed only for students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and committed to furthering their education. Some scholarships are designed for students who need financial and social support, while others are based on merit. The difference between a lesbian scholarship or gay scholarship, and a more traditional scholarship, is that lesbian and gay scholarships and grants are awarded to those who may need extra assistance after revealing their sexual orientation to the community.
In many cases, those who reveal their sexual orientation are excluded from certain resources and are unable to financially support themselves through college. A lesbian scholarship, gay grant or even lesbian financial aid can lessen the burden of paying for college.
Types of Lesbian and Gay Scholarships
Some of the most readily available lesbian and gay scholarships include:
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The Point Foundation - LGBT Scholarship
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League Foundation at AT&T LGBT Scholarship
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Live Out Loud Scholarship
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LGBT Journalism Scholarship
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Colage LGBT Children Scholarship
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Malyon-Smith Scholarship Award for Graduate Psychology Students
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National Gay Pilot's Association Scholarship
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NWSA Lesbian Studies Scholarship
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Queer Foundation Scholarship Fund
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LGBT Heart Scholarship for Health Professionals
In addition to these scholarship-granting organizations, GLBT students may be able to apply for scholarships and grants through civic organizations, community groups and directly through the college or university.
Getting a Lesbian Scholarship or Gay Scholarship
Some community organizations, local groups and national organizations offer lesbian scholarships and gay scholarships to students who are in their senior year of high school and are planning to go to college. The application process for these scholarships may require demonstrating academic achievement, being accepted to an accredited U.S. college or university, and showing a certain level of community service.
Many organizations that grant a lesbian scholarship or gay scholarship are looking for candidates who are positive role models, or are returning to school as an adult. Others award scholarships to those who are pursuing a particular field, such as journalism, accounting, law or medicine.
GLBT students who are pursuing graduate studies may also apply for lesbian scholarships and gay scholarships. These scholarships are often granted to students who are interested in research studies in a particular field, or for those who are committed to doing social work for the GLBT community.
How Lesbian and Gay Grants Work
Funding for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students going to college is also available in the form of lesbian grants and gay grants. Grants are awarded by local, national and global organizations to help students who are committed to social work and LGBT community efforts around the globe. Examples of community foundations and organizations that provide funding in the form of gay and lesbian grants include:
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Horizons Foundation
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San Diego Human Dignity Foundation
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PFund Foundation
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Stonewall Community Foundation
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Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice
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Guilford Green Foundation
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Lesbian and Gay Community Appeal
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Equity Foundation
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Delaware Valley Legacy Fund
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Samara Foundation of Vermont
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Pride Foundation
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Cream City Foundation
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New Harvest Foundation
Applying for Lesbian Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. A growing number of organizations now offer some form of funding for GLBT students, and many people are eligible to apply for lesbian financial aid, grant s and other forms of funding. Many local organizations offer general grants and social change opportunity scholarships and grants for LGBT students. Some forms of financial aid are offered only for students who are actively involved in LGBT social projects and are committed to helping other members of the LGBT community succeed.
If you are interested in applying for lesbian financial aid, you may need to do the following:
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Show your level of involvement in the LGBT community
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Prove that you are unable to finance your college education on your own
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Show proof of acceptance into an accredited college or university
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Demonstrate an interested in service to the LGBT community
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Obtain references from local GLBT community organization leaders and representatives
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