2025 Scholar Support Fund

The Scholar Support Fund 

Applications for the Scholar Support Fund are now closed. Due to the volume of requests, all available funding for this round has been allocated. We know many of you are navigating real and urgent needs, and we’ll notify scholars as soon as the fund reopens.

Over the past year, Pride Foundation scholars have shared that they face increasing financial instability and material hardship, creating real and immediate barriers to continuing their education and caring for their well-being.

In response, we launched the Scholar Support Fund, a rapid response microgrant program designed to move flexible resources to scholars navigating urgent needs. 

 

Why we created the Scholar Support Fund 

The Scholar Support Fund was created in direct response to urgent needs shared by Pride Foundation scholars. It is also part of a broader goal of developing more holistic and responsive systems of support for LGBTQ+ students across the Northwest.

This fund complements our core scholarship program by offering flexible microgrants in moments of crisis, transition, or instability. It reflects our evolving commitment to support scholars at the point of application and throughout their educational journeys 

 

How the Scholar Support Fund works 

The Scholar Support Fund is a rolling microgrant program for current Pride Foundation scholars facing urgent material needs. 

Grants are: 

• Available in amounts of $100, $250, or $500 
• Distributed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted 
• Low-barrier and fast. No documentation or income verification is required 
• Prioritized for scholars experiencing the greatest material risk 

This Fund Provides: 

• Rapid, flexible microgrants to address basic needs, safety, and stability 
• Support for housing, food, relocation, transportation, medical needs, and more 

This Fund Does Not Provide: 

• Tuition or fees already covered by Pride Foundation scholarships 
• Investments, savings, or crypto/stock purchases 
• Donations or fundraising contributions 
• Non-essential travel (e.g., enrichment programs not tied to material need or relocation for safety or stability) 

 

Application & Review Process

The application asks for basic information, confirmation of eligibility, a brief description of your current need, and a few questions to help us better understand your experiences and circumstances. 

Applications are reviewed by the Scholarships team on a rolling basis, typically within 1–2 weeks. Grants are processed weekly and sent via your preferred payment method.

Once this cycle’s funds are fully distributed, the Scholar Support Fund will pause and reopen during the next yearly cycle.

To be eligible for this fund, you must: 

• Be a current Pride Foundation scholar (new or multi-year) 
• Be facing an urgent material need 

We prioritize funding for scholars who are:

• Black, Indigenous, or People of Color 
• Trans, nonbinary, gender diverse, or Two-Spirit 
• Immigrants 
• Disabled or chronically ill 
• Experiencing poverty, housing instability, family rejection, or other significant barriers to safety, stability, or access to resources 

 

FAQs 

Who can apply for this fund?

Current Pride Foundation scholars, including newly awarded and multi-year recipients, who are facing an urgent material need.

What counts as an “urgent material need”?

Needs that impact your housing, safety, access to food or healthcare, transportation, or overall stability. This could include: 

• Rent or utilities
• Groceries or hygiene supplies
• Medical care or medication
• Transportation to school or work
• Relocation due to unsafe living conditions
• Other needs that support your well-being

You do not need to prove hardship or submit documentation. 

How much can I request?

Depending on your needs, you can request $100, $250, or $500. We aim to honor each request, but may adjust amounts based on available funds.

How do I apply? 

Complete a short online form. It asks for basic information and includes a few optional questions to help us understand broader community needs. No documentation or income verification required. 

Do my answers affect whether I get a grant? 

Your eligibility is based on a few core questions: being a current scholar and facing an urgent material need. If you meet those criteria, your responses to other questions help us prioritize funding when we receive more requests than we can fund. These answers are not judged individually or used to disqualify anyone. They help us ensure the fund reaches those most urgently impacted. 

What if more people apply than there is funding for? 

This fund has limited resources, and we may be unable to support every eligible request.  

When more eligible requests are received than we can fund, we prioritize scholars navigating the most significant barriers to safety, stability, or access to resources. 

Can I apply more than once? 

Not during the same funding cycle. If the fund is reopened in the future, you may apply again. 

How long will the fund be open? 

Grants will be distributed on a rolling basis until all funds are used. Once funding is exhausted, the application will close. We do not maintain a waitlist 

How will I know if I’ve been funded? 

You will be notified by the preferred communication method included in your application. Most decisions are made within 2 weeks of applying. 

How will I receive the grant? 

You can choose: 

• Check by mail
• ACH/direct deposit 

We’ll confirm your method before funds are sent. 

What if I don’t have a stable mailing address? 

We’ll follow up with you directly to ensure your grant can be received safely. Housing instability will never disqualify you. 

I’m not sure if I qualify. Should I still apply? 

If you’re a current Pride Foundation scholar and are facing any kind of urgent need — yes. This fund is here for you. 

I have a question. Who should I reach out to?  

If you have questions about the fund or need support completing the application, you can reach out to Nikson, the Scholarships Program Officer, at Nikson@PrideFoundation.org. We’re here to help.