National Rainbow College Fund | Empowering LGBTQ+ Students

Our vision is that every LGBTQ+ person in the U.S. has the means to realize their educational dreams, regardless of the public nature of their sexual identity.

Starting with California residents in 2025.

Breaking barriers, building

futures.

LGBTQ+ students face unique challenges – social acceptance, mental health issues, family rejection – that hinder their ability to afford higher education. NRCF is the first scholarship that supports LGBTQ+ students exclusively – whether they are “out” or not.

Your privacy

matters.

During the application process, our highest priority is your privacy. We do our best to prevent sexual identity exposure for students who are not “out”.

Focus

on your coursework,
not incurring debt.

Without family support, many LGBTQ+ students turn to loans to finance their schooling. Our scholarships can be used for tuition, books, fees, room and board, and other educational expenses – without needing to be repaid.

Learn more about the fund

2025 Impacts

Beginning in California, we will make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ students and grow the next generation of diverse leaders.

$2.5k

average award per student

Discover Ways to Give

The National Rainbow College Fund is powered by San Diego Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the U.S. and a leading scholarship provider in California.

Empowering

LGBTQ+ students to pursue their ambitions for higher education.

Our vision is that every LGBTQ+ person in the U.S. has the means to realize their educational dreams, regardless of the public nature of their sexual identity.

Starting with California residents in 2025.

Breaking barriers, building

futures.

LGBTQ+ students face unique challenges – social acceptance, mental health issues, family rejection – that hinder their ability to afford higher education. NRCF is the first scholarship that supports LGBTQ+ students exclusively – whether they are “out” or not.

Your privacy

matters.

During the application process, our highest priority is your privacy. We do our best to prevent sexual identity exposure for students who are not “out”.

Focus

on your coursework,
not incurring debt.

Without family support, many LGBTQ+ students turn to loans to finance their schooling. Our scholarships can be used for tuition, books, fees, room and board, and other educational expenses – without needing to be repaid.

2025 Impacts

Beginning in California, we will make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ students and grow the next generation of diverse leaders.

$500K

in awards

200

scholarship recipients

$2.5k

average award per student

The National Rainbow College Fund is powered by San Diego Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the U.S. and a leading scholarship provider in California.

Empowering

LGBTQ+ students to pursue their ambitions for higher education.

Support

Apply

Our vision is that every LGBTQ+ person in the U.S. has the means to realize their educational dreams, regardless of the public nature of their sexual identity.

Starting with California residents in 2025.

Breaking barriers, building

futures.

LGBTQ+ students face unique challenges – social acceptance, mental health issues, family rejection – that hinder their ability to afford higher education. NRCF is the first scholarship that supports LGBTQ+ students exclusively – whether they are “out” or not.

Your privacy

matters.

During the application process, our highest priority is your privacy. We do our best to prevent sexual identity exposure for students who are not “out”.

Focus

on your coursework,not incurring debt.

Without family support, many LGBTQ+ students turn to loans to finance their schooling. Our scholarships can be used for tuition, books, fees, room and board, and other educational expenses – without needing to be repaid.

2025 Impacts

Beginning in California, we will make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ students and grow the next generation of diverse leaders.

$500K

in awards

200

scholarship recipients

$2.5k

average award per student

The National Rainbow College Fund is powered by San Diego Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the U.S. and a leading scholarship provider in California.

on your coursework,
not incurring debt.