The average amount of each individual NRCF scholarship award is $2,500.

The NRCF scholarship is open to LGBTQ+ individuals who are high school seniors, incoming and current college or university students, current community college students, and adult re-entry students. For the 2025-2026 academic year, scholarships are available to California residents only. We aspire to make scholarships available nationwide in future years. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and plan to enroll in at least 6 units at a Title IV-approved and accredited public or nonprofit community college, four-year university, or trade/vocational school in the U.S.

The NRCF scholarship can be used to cover tuition, books, fees, room and board, and other educational expenses included in the campus Total Cost of Attendance budget.

No. It is not necessary to be publicly “out” to apply for the NRCF scholarship. The application process is designed to respect and protect your privacy, regardless of whether you are publicly open about your sexual orientation or gender identity.

Applicants can demonstrate financial need by completing one of the following: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the California DREAM Act Application, or the Federal Student Aid Estimator Tool. Additionally, you are encouraged to submit a statement of need to explain your financial circumstances.

Scholarship applications are assessed by the NRCF Scholarship Program Committee, which includes NRCF and San Diego Founadtion staff, Board members, and volunteer evaluators. The selection process evaluates applicants based on financial need, personal statement, special circumstances, academic background, and outside involvement.

At this time, no they are one-year awards.

We take your privacy seriously. All information provided by applicants is considered confidential and will not be shared publicly without permission from the applicant. Applicant names and identifying information are masked from reviewers during this review process. All scholarship reviewers and interviewers sign a confidentiality non-disclosure agreement.