Grants for Organizations

Grants for Organizations is sponsored by Acorn Equality Fund. 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. Funding is available for the 2026 calendar year.

Opening Hearts. Building Communities. Supporting LGBTQ+ persons, organizations, and allies through scholarships and organizational grants.

Acorn Equality Fund fuels opportunity for LGBTQ+ people across central and downstate Illinois. We invest in education, health, and civil rights by providing scholarships and grants that open doors and strengthen communities. Since 1999, we’ve awarded nearly $750,000 to students and organizations working for a more inclusive tomorrow.

Together, we’re building a future where everyone can thrive. ​​Acorn Equality Fund is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Fueling the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders and changemakers Acorn Equality Fund is proud to support organizations across downstate Illinois that uplift LGBTQ+ people and their allies through education, health initiatives, and civil rights work.

If your project strengthens our communities, we’d love to learn about it. Grant awards typically do not exceed $2,000, so we encourage applicants to request an amount that fits the scope of their project. Funding is available for the 2026 calendar year.

Click here to explore the guidelines and learn how to apply for support for your organization’s work. Start Your Next Adventure Apply now for a 2026 scholarship! The application window is open until September 25, 2026.

Every year, Acorn Equality Fund awards scholarships to LGBTQ+ students from across downstate Illinois who are ready to take the next step in their education. Award amounts vary based on available donations, but typically range from $2,000 to $5,000.

To be eligible, applicants must have a permanent residence within the Acorn Equality Fund (AEF) service area of downstate Illinois (all Illinois counties except Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will) and attend — or plan to attend — any accredited post‑secondary educational institution.

Scholarships Available for 2026 AEF will award six types of scholarships this year, each celebrating different strengths, stories, and forms of leadership: Acorn Equality Fund Scholarship — academics, volunteerism, and community advocacy Central Illinois Friends Scholarship — academics and a commitment to public health Korty & Morton Scholarship — volunteerism, community advocacy, and financial need Luke Scholarship — academics and financial need McKeon Scholarship — academics, volunteerism, and political advocacy Weber‑Tucker Scholarship — academics and social or family hardship Recipients are notified in early November, and awards are presented at our Family Breakfast event in December — a celebration of community, achievement, and possibility.

Fantastic. Click here to get started! Applications are due September 25, 2026.

Your Donation Helps Shape Lives When you give to Acorn Equality Fund, you open doors for LGBTQ+ students, leaders, and organizations across central and downstate Illinois. Your generosity fuels scholarships ; strengthens community programs; and expands access to the education, health, and civil rights that empower people to thrive. Whether you make a one-time gift or become a recurring donor , your support creates real, lasting change.

Thank you for helping build a brighter, more united future. Acorn Equality Fund is a grassroots, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Peoria, Illinois. All contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Connect on Professional Networks Upcoming Community Events Now accepting applications for Board Members Interested in playing a bigger role with Acorn Equality Fund? We’re looking for passionate community members to join our Board of Directors. By sharing your time, skills, and lived experience, you can help expand opportunities for LGBTQ+ people across central and downstate Illinois.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact, connect with any board member or complete a brief application .