PFund Scholarship for LGBTQIA Individuals

The PFund Foundation Scholarship Fund is a dedicated financial support initiative for LGBTQ+ learners from the Upper Midwest region of the United States. In 2024, the foundation distributed a record-breaking $150,000 to over 60 queer students, marking a significant commitment to supporting the education of LGBTQ+ individuals in this region. The scholarship program serves students at all stages of their education, providing vital financial assistance for those pursuing various academic and professional paths. The scholarship is open to LGBTQ+ individuals who meet specific criteria: they must be 17 years of age or older by June 1, 2025, and must either be from or currently attending school in one of the following states: Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, or any of the Native Nations within these regions. Eligible applicants must also be enrolled in or admitted to an educational program for the 2025-2026 academic year, including community colleges, universities, trade schools, graduate schools, GED programs, or professional certificate programs. The scholarship application window is open annually from January 21 to March 3, with a strict 4:59 p.m. CST deadline. PFund Foundation uses Submittable to manage the scholarship application process, where applicants must create a profile to submit their applications. This platform also allows applicants to track the status of their submissions and engage with the foundation's staff. In addition to the application itself, PFund provides a mini online course to assist applicants with their essays, which can be an important part of the review process. A community-driven committee, comprising both LGBTQ+ and allied volunteers, is responsible for evaluating the applications, selecting finalists, and recommending award amounts. Final recommendations are subject to board approval, and applicants are notified via email and mail once decisions are made. Scholarship awards vary each year, ranging from $1,000 to $12,000 per recipient. The exact number of awards distributed annually depends on available funding. The application process is highly competitive, and applicants must submit an essay along with their application materials. The evaluation process is transparent, and an evaluation rubric is provided to all applicants and reviewers, outlining the criteria used to assess applications. The scholarship fund is made possible through the generosity of individual, corporate, and foundation donors. All scholarship payments to students require the submission of an IRS Form W9, which necessitates a social security number or tax ID. This ensures proper documentation and compliance for tax purposes. For further questions or assistance, applicants can reach out to PFund Foundation via their Submittable platform or directly contact their staff. More information, including the full application details and the evaluation rubric, is available on the PFund Submittable page. The foundation also offers informational webinars and resources to help applicants navigate the process.