Opening Hearts. Building Communities.

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

Thank you to all the sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees of Down & Derby! It was a great time and, thanks to your generous contrinbutions, we were able to raise nearly $10,000 for future scholarships and grants!

​Scholarships and Grants​

College scholarships and organization grants for LGBTQ+ 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 $40,000 in scholarships awarded in total. 

​We also provide grants to organizations that support the education, health, or civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons and their allies.

​​Learn more and apply now!

​Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars and plan to attend our annual fundraisers:

Saturday, December 2, 2023: Join us for our Annual Family Breakfast as we recognize the achievements of our LGBTQ and allied students and support one another as a community.

Saturday, May 4, 2024: Get Down & Derby during our annual spring fundraiser. Celebrate the Kentucky Derby and help raise money for scholarships for LGBTQ+ students and allies.

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.

Seeking Future Board Members

We're looking for volunteers to join 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.

Mission

Acorn Equality Fund is a grassroots, non-profit organization that provides financial support to advance the education, health, and civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons, organizations, and allies in central & downstate Illinois. Since its founding in 1999, Acorn has awarded over $469,000 in scholarships & grants. Together we can build a bright, united future.

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