​Opening Hearts. Building Communities.

Supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, organizations, and allies through scholarships and organizational grants.

​Scholarships and Grants

Academic scholarships and organization grants for LGBT persons, organizations, and allies provide educational opportunities and help develop communities that last a lifetime.

​Scholarships range from $1,000 to $4,000, with up to $35,000 awarded annually. Scholarships applications for 2021 are available now and must be postmarked by Friday, September 18, 2020.
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We also provide grants to organizations that work with or support LGBT events.

​Learn more.

COVID-19 Relief Grants

In August 2020, 55 community members from Peoria, Tazewell, and Champaign counties received a total of $32,500 as a result of funds provided by Equality Illinois for the LGBTQ COVID-19 Relief Fund Grant program.
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Acorn Equality Fund is proud to have been selected as a partner to aid in the distribution of these funds as a result of our 20-year commitment to the community

Donations

We appreciate 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.

Here's another way to help... Shop online at Amazon at smile.amazon.com. List Acorn Equality Fund as your charitable organization, and Amazon will make a donation each time you make a purchase!

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars and plan to attend our annual fundraisers:

Saturday, May 1, 2020: Get Down & Derby, our annual spring fundraiser, has been cancelled after the postponement of the Kentucky Derby and to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Learn more.

​Cancelling this event does not eliminate our need to raise funds to support LGBT+ students and organizations. Please consider making a donation. Donate now.

Also, mark your calendar to attend our 22nd Annual Family Breakfast on Saturday, December 5, 2020. 

Mission

Established in 1999, Acorn Equality Fund in Peoria, Illinois, is a grassroots nonprofit organization that provides financial support for the advancement of education, health, and civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons and their allies. We raise funds in order to give out grants and scholarships to promote higher education. Together we can build a bright, united future.

​​Acorn Equality Fund is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We provide scholarships and organization grants to LGBT persons, organizations, and allies to impact lives in a positive fashion.