Acorn Equality Fund Scholarships provide financial support for college for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender students; allies; or the children of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender parents from Downstate Illinois. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $4,000 with $35,000 being disbursed in total. There are five types of scholarships awarded by the Acorn Equality Fund. You may apply for all types; however, you may receive only one. A separate application must be submitted for each scholarship:
The Acorn Scholarship is 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 and The McKeon Scholarship is based on academics, volunteerism and political advocacy. To be eligible, the applicant must retain permanent residence in Downstate Illinois (any Illinois county except: Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will) and attend or plan to attend any accredited post-secondary educational institution. Awards are made at the Acorn Equality Fund's annual Family Breakfast each December.