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.

Scholarships

Scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $4,000, with $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 are awarded in six categories:

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

The deadline for 2024 scholarship applications was September 22, 2023, and awards will be made at this year's Family Breakfast in December. Applications for 2025 will be available in May 2024.

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 2023 calendar year.
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​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 .
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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.