Scholarships & Grants

Acorn Equality Fund is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provide scholarships and organization grants to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, organizations, and allies to impact lives in a positive fashion.

Over the past 25 years, Acorn has awarded 339 scholarships totaling $652,000, and 84 grants to LGBTQ+ organizations totaling $60,840.

Scholarships

Scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $4,000, with up to $40,000 being awarded in total. To be eligible, applicants must retain permanent residence in the Acorn Equality Fund service area of downstate Illinois (all Illinois counties except Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will) and attend any accredited, post-secondary educational institution.

Scholarships will be awarded in six categories:

Acorn and Feeney Scholarships are based on academics, volunteerism, and community advocacy.
Central Illinois Friends Scholarship is based on academics and a commitment to public health.
Korty & Morton Scholarship is based on volunteerism, community advocacy, and financial need.
Luke Scholarship is based on academics and financial need.
McKeon Scholarship is based on academics, volunteerism, and political advocacy.
Weber-Tucker Scholarship is based on academics and social (or family) hardship.

The deadline for applications was September 26, 2025. Applications for 2026 will be available in May 2026.

Recipients are notified in early November, with awards announced and presented at the Family Breakfast in December.

Organization Grants

Acorn Equality Fund provides grants to organizations in downstate Illinois that support the education, health, or civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons and their allies. Grant amounts typically range between $500 - $1,500. Please request an amount that is appropriate for your project.

We currently have funds available for the 2025 calendar year.

Click here for a grant application.

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 .

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.