PFund Scholarship

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There are so many scholarships and grants running amuck today that it seems there is one for just about everybody. Even though they are still incredibly hard to get, smaller scholarships are aimed at minorities who may need a helping hand when perusing their education. PFund is one such scholarship.
Founded in 1987 with a modest fund of $2000, the Philanthrofund Foundations vision was to become a catalyst in building communities in Minnesota where gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people live their lives free from discrimination, violence, invisibility, and isolation. The scholarship is designed to support and develop the LGBTQAI community in Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Today the PFund is still a non-profit organization that works hard to develop a strong base and support for community members by providing scholarships that range from $2,000 to $5,000.
Over the years, the PFund scholarship has gained recognition through awards such as the Twin Cities Pride Community Pride Award in 2010, and was a finalist for the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits' Nonprofit Mission Award for Anti-Racism Initiative in 2009. Such recognition has created many opportunities for students all over the country to be recognized for their contributions and efforts in the LGBT community.
A recent PFund applicant from MSUM states, “I know there are allot of people applying for this scholarship, but I think that it’s great opportunity to at least send in an application. Getting recognized for hard work is always nice, even if I don’t end up getting the scholarship.”
The judging criteria for the PFund scholarships is as follows: applicant’s must make an affirmation of LGBT or allied identity, there must be evidence of significant service and leadership in the LGBT community, and evidence of serving, leading and working for change in LGBT communities, including as a role model, mentor and/or adviser.
For testimonials of past recipients or for more information about this unique scholarship program, visit http://www.pfundonline.org/index.html, or come to the Rainbow Dragon Room in the CMU and pick up an application.
The deadline for the PFund scholarship is on February 1, so it’s coming up fast! If you are at all interested in applying, don’t hesitate. A little money can go a long way and a little effort can be recognized. Best of luck to you who have already applied! Stay tuned for more columns from your own personal LGBT MSUM source–Stay curious.