Scholarships
PFund provides scholarships to LGBTQ+ learners from the Upper Midwest at all stages of their education.
PFund provides $1,000-$12,000 scholarships to LGBTQ+ students from the Upper Midwest. Applications go through our community review process and awards are distributed in June each year.
About our Scholarships
PFund Scholarship Grants are for LGBTQ+ students of all ages who are either from or studying in the Upper Midwest. Grants range from $1,000-$12,000 and can be used for a wide variety of expenses and programs. Scholarships also include a lifetime membership to the PFund Scholar Alumni program which includes annual professional development and networking opportunities. There is one application window per year.
Applications will open on January 11, 2027 and will be due by 5pm central on March 1, 2027. Applications go through the community review process and will be distributed in June 2027.
Eligibility:
To apply for a PFund Scholarship individuals must:
- Identify as LGBTQ+.
- Be 17 years of age or older by June 1, 2027.
- Be either from or currently attending school in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or the Native Nations therein.
- Be currently enrolled in or admitted to a GED program, community college, four-year college, university, graduate school, trade school, professional certificate program, or apprenticeship program for the 2027-2028 academic year.
- Please note: Scholarship payments can be made directly to the student but will require the student to submit a IRS Form W9 which requires a social security number or other tax ID number.
frequently Asked questions:
PFund uses Submittable to manage its scholarship application process. Click here to visit PFund’s Submittable page and see if the application window for scholarships is currently open (the application window is typically open for applications from mid-January to mid-March each year). Submittable requires that you create an online profile that allows you to save and edit your application. You can also use this profile to check if you have been awarded a scholarship, and ask questions of PFund’s staff.
There is one application window for PFund scholarships per year, typically starting in mid-January. Follow PFund on Instagram, LinkedIn, or sign-up for our e-newsletter to keep up with the foundation’s latest funding and scholarship announcements.
The amount of funding and number of awards varies by year. Individual scholarships range from $1,000 to $12,000, with a $1,500 average award amount. In 2026, PFund offered 45 scholarships totaling $100,000+. Funds are typically distributed in June.
No! Many of scholarships go to students enrolled in 2- and 4-year colleges and universities, but we have scholarships available for learners at all stages of their education, from G.E.D. to Ph.D. We also provide scholarships to support students pursuing professional certificates, vocational training, and apprenticeships.
PFund Foundation uses a community-driven review process to make recommendations for the awarding of scholarships. The committee is made up of LGBTQ+ and allied volunteers who review applications, select finalists, and recommend awards to PFund’s board of directors for approval. Once the board approves the recommendations, all applicants are notified via Submittable and email.
Application Process:
Applications open on January 11, 2027 and are due by 5pm central time on March 3, 2027.
PFund Foundation uses a community-driven review process to make recommendations for the awarding of scholarships. Once submitted, scholarship applications are reviewed by a panel of LGBTQ+ and allied community members who read and score applications against the scoring rubric. Reviewers have three weeks to read applications, then reviewers meet via zoom to discuss applications. The scores and feedback from reviewers are used to make award recommendations to the board of directors. Once the board approves the recommendations, we notify all applicants via email and mail. The amount of funding varies year-to-year. Individual scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $12,000.
PFund uses Submittable to manage its scholarship application process. Click here to visit PFund’s Submittable page and see if the application window for scholarships is currently open (the application window is typically from mid-January to mid-March each year). Submittable requires that you create an online profile that allows you to save and edit your application. You can also use this profile to check if you have been awarded a scholarship, and ask questions of PFund’s staff.
For full application details and to see if applications are open, see the Submittable page.
The application evaluation rubric is available to prospective applicants and reviewers. To access the rubric click on the button to or use the link here.
Check out these resources for more information:
PFUnd Alumni
Alumni Program
PFund Foundation provides ongoing resources, support and connections for our previous scholarship recipients through our Alumni Program. Are you a PFund Foundation Scholarship Recipient or Alumni?
Sign-up for our quarterly newsletter and stay up to date on all things PFund Alumni, including Alumni spotlights, community opportunities, and chances to get involved and give back.
Join the Alumni Council
The Alumni Council offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of our Alumni Program and directly contribute to the growth and impact of PFund’s Scholar community.
By joining, members will collaborate with fellow Alumni to plan events and gatherings, build community and provide support to Alumni and the LGBTQ+ community.