​Opening Hearts. Building Communities.

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

COVID-19 Relief Grants

In partnership with Equality Illinois, Acorn Equality Fund has received funds to provide COVID Relief Grants. These grants — ranging from $500 to $1,000 — ​are designed to support LGBTQ people most adversely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. As of August 3, applications are now closed.

The Acorn Equality Fund board will review applications and grants will be disbursed no later than Tuesday, August 25.

​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.

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 2, 2020 (CANCELLED): 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.