The LGBT Fund Scholarships Open to Support Erie's LGBTQ+ Students

Education opens doors - not only for individual success, but for a stronger, more inclusive community. That's why the LGBT Fund of The Erie Community Foundation is committed to supporting LGBTQ+ students and allies as they pursue higher education and careers that will shape our region for the better.

The LGBT Fund of the Erie Community Foundation is the only resource of its kind in the Erie region, leveraging the collective giving of donors to help members of our local LGBTQ+ community build healthy, productive lives today and into the future.

The LGBT Fund of The Erie Community Foundation offers scholarship programs designed to reduce financial barriers and create meaningful pathways to education for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in Erie County. Through scholarship opportunities, the LGBT Fund invests in the future of our community by empowering students to reach their full potential-regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or economic circumstance.

We administer two scholarship opportunities designed to uplift diverse and underrepresented talent in Erie County. The Joseph M. Kulka Award supports a student who demonstrates a strong commitment to increasing awareness and understanding of diversity in our region.

The Mary E. Kwiatkowski Social Services Scholarship is awarded to a female and/or LGBTQIA+ student planning to major or minor in the social sciences and pursue a career in public service. Both scholarship applications require original essays reflecting goals and community impact.

Applications are open through April 15. To learn more, visit https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/community-impact/lgbt-fund/lgbt-fund-scholarships/

About the Author

Bill Gonda Bill Gonda is a retired communications professional who currently serves as the Chair of the LGBT Fund of The Erie Community Foundation. He lives with his husband and their dachshund, Frankie, in Erie.