Best Grants for LGBTQ Nonprofits in Arkansas

Undergraduate and graduate students, as well as early-career researchers studying LGBTQ+ issues in the South, can apply for Campaign for Southern Equality’s Southern Equality Research Grant, with awards up to US $2,000 for research expenses and conference travel. Arkansas LGBTQIA+ service organizations may benefit through partnerships or projects that generate data to advance equality in the region.

Early-career LGBTQ+ performance artists in Arkansas creating new avant-garde work can receive US $5,000 to develop original performance art. Focused on performance art and artist development, Franklin Furnace Fund invites eligible non-student, generative artists in restrictive-care states to propose new projects through the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art.

Nonprofit organizations advancing LGBTQ+ rights and services in Arkansas can seek project funding for advocacy, health and wellness, crisis intervention, racial justice, and community programming. Leonard Litz Foundation provides support across the U.S., with preference for northeastern groups and special consideration for organizations serving communities of color and transgender or gender-nonconforming people.

Nonprofit organizations providing LGBTQ+ services and advocacy in Arkansas can apply for Leonard Litz Foundation’s LGBTQ+ Community Grants to support programs and services. Funding can back health and wellness, crisis intervention, racial justice, advocacy and community engagement, or social assistance initiatives, with a preference for northeastern U.S. groups that serve communities of color and transgender or gender-nonconforming people.

LGBTQ+ youth leaders (ages 13–18) partnering with public or charter schools or registered nonprofits in Arkansas and across the U.S. can receive US $500 - US $10,000 to run youth-led projects that uplift LGBTQ+ students. It Gets Better provides funding plus mentoring, educational resources, and visibility for initiatives serving groups of LGBTQ+ youth.

Nonprofits serving transgender, gender-nonconforming, non-binary, and intersex people in Arkansas can receive funding for health care, housing, legal and religious services, community conferences, and other critical supports. Leonard Litz Foundation’s TransPLUS Resource Grants also foster peer-support networks, resource sharing, newsletters, and events that strengthen TGNCNBI communities nationwide, including Arkansas-based LGBTQ organizations.

LGBTQ-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Arkansas working on social justice, public health, arts, youth, or services for unhoused and food-insecure people can apply for the Looking Out Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $25,000. Programs supporting LGBTQIA2S+ rights, trans and gender-expansive communities, displaced people, and mental health resources may be especially competitive.

LGBTQ-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Arkansas seeking project-specific support for community services, public education, research, or HIV and health programs can apply for up to US $15,000, with priority for rural and underserved areas. Gamma Mu Foundation supports U.S. organizations advancing LGBTQ health, inclusion, and empowerment, especially where local funding is limited.

Nonprofit health organizations benefiting from LGBTQ-focused medical leadership in Arkansas can receive a US $2,500 grant honorarium through the Excellence in LGBTQ Health Award, directed by the honoree. American Medical Association Foundation honors physicians, residents, fellows, and final-year medical students advancing LGBTQ health policy, advocacy, patient care, research, workforce diversity, or administration nationwide.

Local or national 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the LGBTQ community in the Greater Bay Area can apply for Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation’s Tier B grants, awarding US $10,000. LGBTQ nonprofits in Arkansas may be eligible if their work directly serves this Bay Area community and aligns with the foundation’s mission.

LGBTQ individuals pursuing post-high school education or vocational training that leads to financial stability may be eligible for scholarships supporting sexuality and LGBTQIA+ rights, including those in Arkansas. Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation’s We Rise LGBTQ Scholarship offers US $10,000 total in one-time awards for vocational, trade, and degree programs across the U.S.

Young leaders ages 13–23 in Arkansas running youth-led social impact projects can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, which awards up to US $5,000 for project expenses. Initiatives supporting LGBTQIA+ communities, social justice, education equity, environmental justice, or related causes may be eligible, ideally in partnership with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.

LGBTQ+ students in Arkansas pursuing post-secondary education can receive scholarship support for tuition and related studies. Pride Foundation provides Arkansas LGBTQIA+ community members with funding to attend community colleges, universities, certificate, vocational, graduate, or professional programs. Applicants must be residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, though they may study anywhere, including Arkansas.

LGBTQ+ and allied students pursuing college or trade school who live in the Miami Valley can receive scholarship support for tuition and related educational costs. The Dayton Foundation provides Arkansas LGBTQ nonprofits and students a model of support through the Betsy Frabotta Educate and Engage Scholarship, awarding US $2,000 to learners committed to equity and community engagement.

Nonprofit organizations using community organizing for gender justice can receive US $10,000 for movement-building work from Bread & Roses Community Fund; funding is currently focused on Philadelphia-area counties. LGBTQ and gender justice groups that are 501(c)(3)s or fiscally sponsored, led by those most affected, and centering systemic change may be eligible.

LGBTQ+ high school seniors and active allies seeking college scholarships in Arkansas can receive one-time support for higher education costs through the Pride in the Hills Scholarship. Connecticut Community Foundation supports sexuality and LGBTQIA+ rights and academic scholarship programs; Arkansas students fitting these criteria may be eligible to apply.

Third Wave Fund provides Arkansas LGBTQIA+ and gender justice groups with rapid response funding for unanticipated, time-sensitive organizing, direct actions, healing justice, legal or bail fees, and mutual aid. Coalitions, informal groups, and nonprofits led by young people of color with budgets under $500,000 can request up to US $20,000 for U.S.-based work.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Arkansas focused on LGBTQ+ rights, women’s and girls’ empowerment, or human rights can seek capacity-building support through the Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant. Cause Strategy Partners offers a one-time US $20,000 unrestricted grant plus pro-bono consulting, governance resources, and board training to strengthen organizational infrastructure and long-term impact across the U.S.

BIPOC-led LGBTQ nonprofits in Arkansas can receive US $100 - US $15,000 in general operating or project support for equality-focused work, including advocacy and capacity building. B.W. Bastian Foundation primarily supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the Intermountain West and nationally that explicitly commit to equality for all, including gay and lesbian communities.

Students and recent graduates planning unpaid HIV/AIDS-related internships at U.S.-accredited institutions, including those from Arkansas, can receive up to US $7,000 to support summer 2025 placements. Point Foundation supports work tied to HIV/AIDS research, advocacy, or services, especially benefiting LGBTQ+ communities and allies interested in culturally competent, affordable care.

The Parsons Family Scholarship for LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies, established by the Parsons family, supports Maine graduating high school seniors of any gender identity or sexual orientation. The scholarship awards $2,000 and is aimed at LGBTQ+ students and their allies pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Recipients will be notified by the selection committee in late May, with funds disbursed in December for the spring semester. This initiative reflects a commitment to inclusivity and support for diverse youth.

The We Are Moving The Needle Scholarship supports women, trans, and non-binary creators in the music industry by offering two full scholarships for a masterclass with GRAMMY-nominated producer Alissia in Paris. This initiative aims to empower underrepresented voices through education and mentorship, fostering a more inclusive music industry. Participants will engage in hands-on workshops designed to enhance their production skills and gain insights from a leading industry professional, contributing to lasting cultural change.

The Eash-Potter Scholarship supports LGBTQ youth in central Pennsylvania, honoring Melinda Eash and Sharon Potter's legacy. It is available to graduating high school seniors from specific counties who demonstrate commitment to enhancing the community climate for LGBTQ+ individuals. Financial need is a consideration, and the scholarship is a one-time award. Students of color, transgender individuals, and children of LGBTQ+ parents are particularly encouraged to apply, promoting diversity and inclusion within the scholarship program.

The Mary E. Kwiatkowski Social Services Scholarship Fund, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports female and LGBTQIA+ students pursuing social sciences and public service careers. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students for post-secondary education. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers for diverse talents in Erie County's social services sector, requiring applicants to submit an essay on their public service aspirations and challenges in the Erie region.

Outreach Foundation Helen Bonser Scholarship

This scholarship supports the educational aspirations of individuals from Spokane and Kootenai Counties who identify as LGBTQA+ or Allies, helping them achieve their academic and career goals while fostering a sense of community engagement. 

Applicants should demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and/or LGBTQA+ community involvement. Recipients are eligible to re-apply and compete for the Outreach Foundation Helen Bonser Scholarship after a waiting period of 5 years.

About Us

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a resource for local charitable giving. Created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County, The Community Foundation is an enduring source of charitable funds to meet the changing needs and interests of the region. We envision San Luis Obispo County as an inclusive haven where everyone, regardless of background, feels free to fully participate. In collaboration with our community partners and donors, we seek to foster a safe, respectful environment with ample opportunity for all to reach their potential and contribute to the success of our community. We invite you to join us in celebrating diversity, making sure all of our neighbors feel seen, and free from dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, as we shape a future where all residents can flourish. 

2025-2026 Scholarship Applications

Big dreams start here! With support from generous individuals, families, and businesses, the Community Foundation offers scholarships that help San Luis Obispo County students reach new heights in their education and careers.

Alan D. Stephenson Scholarship

The Alan D. Stephenson Scholarship was established to support promising LGBTQIA+ students to achieve their academic potential.

About Us

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a resource for local charitable giving. Created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County, The Community Foundation is an enduring source of charitable funds to meet the changing needs and interests of the region. We envision San Luis Obispo County as an inclusive haven where everyone, regardless of background, feels free to fully participate. In collaboration with our community partners and donors, we seek to foster a safe, respectful environment with ample opportunity for all to reach their potential and contribute to the success of our community. We invite you to join us in celebrating diversity, making sure all of our neighbors feel seen, and free from dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, as we shape a future where all residents can flourish. 

2025-2026 Scholarship Applications

Big dreams start here! With support from generous individuals, families, and businesses, the Community Foundation offers scholarships that help San Luis Obispo County students reach new heights in their education and careers.

Gary Grossman Scholarship

The Gary Grossman Scholarship was established to provide scholarship support for promising LGBTQIA+ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential.