​Opening Hearts. Building Communities.

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

​Scholarships and Grants

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

​Scholarships of $1,000 to $4,000 are available, with up to $35,000 in scholarships awarded annually. ​Applications for 2022 will be available in May 2021.
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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 were awarded grants totaling $32,500. Funds were provided through the LGBTQ COVID-19 Relief Fund Grant program by Equality Illinois .
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Acorn Equality Fund is proud to have been selected as a partner to aid in the distribution of these grants as a result of our 20-year commitment of outreach and support to the downstate Illinois LGBTQ community

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.

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:
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Saturday, December 5, 2020: Join us for our 22nd Annual Family Breakfast. This will be an all-new experience as we join together as a community in a virtual event. We need to support each other more than ever this year, so please join us! Learn more.

Saturday, May 1, 2021: Get Down & Derby during our annual spring fundraiser. Celebrate the Kentucky Derby and help raise money for scholarships for LGBTQ students and allies.  

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.