LGBT Financial Aid

In recent years, there has been an increase in the amount of aid available for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. A growing number of organizations have set aside money for LGBT students and sometimes their heterosexual allies to attend college. Many scholarships and grants are available for students involved in LGBT social activism, regardless of sexual orientation; other aid is available for children of LGBT parents. For years, much of this money had gone unclaimed for fear of labels associated with receiving a LGBT scholarship or grant.

When searching for LGBT aid, check with local organizations to find out what is available in your immediate area. A majority of aid will be found on a local level opposed to a national level. Be sure to check with your college or university; they may also offer aid for LGBT.

Some of the organizations who provide LGBT aid include:

Astraea Lesbian Foundation For Justice - This organization provides general grants, international funds for sexual minorities, lesbian writers fund, a visual arts fund, social change opportunity fund, international collaborative and philanthropic grants.

AT&T’s League Foundation - This foundation provides $1,500 to $2,500 scholarships for LGBT college students with a 3.0 GPA or higher who have a history of community service.

The Colin Higgins Courage Awards and Grants - This organization provides grants to individuals who are: 1. LGBT or questioning youth who have stood up to hostility and intolerance of their sexual orientation and triumphed,  2. LGBT adults who have impacted the lives of youth LGBT or have a strong commitment to the overall LGBT movement, or 3. Allies of any age working to end discrimination and homophobia.

The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund - This fund provides need-based grants to student activists at the college level who are involved in building the movement for social and economic justice.

Fund for Lesbian and Gay Scholarships (FLAGS) - This organization provides financial aid to gay, lesbian and bisexual students who are actively involved in the community. Grants are also available for high school students who plan to pursue a college degree. Awards are dependent upon financial need, academic achievement and school and community involvement.

The Malyon-Smith Scholarship - This award is a scholarship for graduate students in psychology who are researching the psychology of sexual orientation and gender identity.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Messenger-Anderson Journalism Scholarship and Internship Program - This scholarship is for high school seniors and undergraduate students who are pursuing communication or journalism degree or those who plan on working in journalism of communications advocacy. Students who receive this scholarship will also be required to participate in an internship with the Task Force.

PFLAG’s (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) National Scholarship Program - To be eligible you must be a graduating senior or entering college for this first time, you must identify as LGBT or have a family member or friend that does, demonstrate an interest in service to the LGBT community and apply to an accredited university or college.

The Point Foundation - LGBT students can receive all expenses paid towards their college education. Students need proven leadership, scholastic achievement and a desire to make a difference in the world. Applicants are evaluated on their financial, emotional and social need as well as extracurricular activities, personal circumstances and future goals.