Opening Hearts. Building Communities.

Supporting LGBTQ+ persons, organizations, and allies through scholarships and organizational grants.

Seeking Future Board Members

Have you ever though about playing a bigger role with Acorn Equality Fund. Consider volunteering for our Board of Directors. Help us to make a difference in the lives of others by sharing of your time and talents. For more information, feel free to contact any board member or complete a brief application.

​Scholarships and Grants​

College scholarships and organization grants for LGBTQ+ people, organizations, and allies provide educational opportunities and help develop communities that last a lifetime. Scholarships of $1,000 to $4,000 are available, with $40,000 in scholarships awarded in total. Applications for 2025 are due September 20, 2024. 

​We also provide grants to organizations that support the education, health, or civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and their allies.

​​Learn more.

​Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars and plan to attend our fundraisers:

​Saturday, December 7, 2024: Join us for our Annual Family Breakfast as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Acorn Equality Fund and recognize the achievements of our LGBTQ+ and allied students.

Saturday, May 3, 2025: Get Down & Derby during our annual spring fundraiser. Celebrate the Kentucky Derby and help raise money for scholarships for LGBTQ+ students and allies. ​ 
Learn more.

How Can I Help?

We value each individual and organization that contributes to Acorn Equality Fund. With your support, we make a difference in the lives of people and organizations in our community. Donate now.

Mission

Acorn Equality Fund is a grassroots, non-profit organization that provides financial support to advance the education, health, and civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, organizations, and allies in central and downstate Illinois. Since its founding in 1999, Acorn has awarded more $680,000 in scholarships and grants. Together we can build a bright, united future.

​​Acorn Equality Fund is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.