CREAM CITY FOUNDATION INC logo

LGBTQ+ Scholarship Program

CREAM CITY FOUNDATION INC

Foundation Annual Grants for LGBTQ Nonprofits
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Funding Amount

$2,500 per student

Deadline

May 31, 2026

53 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Cream City Foundation LGBTQ+ Scholarship Program

Overview: The Cream City Foundation LGBTQ+ Scholarship Program was founded in 2015 to support LGBTQ+ student leaders in Southeastern Wisconsin pursuing post-secondary education.

Geographic Scope: Southeastern Wisconsin (residents required)

Award Amount: $2,500 per scholarship

Program History:

  • Founded in 2015

  • Since 2015, the program has awarded over $320,000 to local students

  • 2022: 11 scholarships awarded ($26,000 total)

  • 2023: 20 scholarships awarded ($50,000 total)

  • 2024: 20 scholarships awarded ($50,000 total)

  • 2025: 20 scholarships awarded ($50,000 total)

    • Eligibility:

  • LGBTQ+ identifying students who are residents of southeastern Wisconsin

  • Students pursuing post-secondary education at undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate levels

  • Students who are allies of the LGBTQ+ community are also encouraged to apply

    • Eligible Fields of Study: Any post-secondary education including:

  • Medical/Healthcare fields

  • Psychology and mental health counseling

  • Fine arts and design

  • Business and entrepreneurship

  • Education and social work

  • Political science and policy

  • And all other fields

    • Organization Background:

  • Cream City Foundation founded in 1982 with $500 in seed money

  • One of the oldest LGBTQ+ focused foundations in the country

  • Since founding, has granted over $1.6 million in total to fund LGBTQ+ health, equity, and prosperity in SE Wisconsin

  • In 2024, announced partnership with Greater Milwaukee Foundation

    • Contact Information:

  • Charlie Nash – President & Board Chair

  • Phone: (414) 225-0244

  • Email: charlie.nash@creamcityfdn.org

  • Address: 2153 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Suite 4000, Milwaukee, WI 53212

    • Special Scholarship Offerings:

  • Courage Scholarships: Sponsored by Courage+ for graduating high school seniors

  • William J Rader Fund sponsored scholarships

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    Application Period:

  • Applications open in spring (typically May 1)

  • Deadline: May 31st at 11:59 p.m.

    • How to Apply:
    1. Visit https://creamcityfdn.org/scholarships/
    2. Complete online application form

    Timeline:

  • Applications open: Spring (typically May 1)

  • Application deadline: May 31st at 11:59 p.m.

  • Recipients announced: Late summer

  • Funds disbursed: August (to financial aid offices)

    • Required Information:
    While specific application requirements are not detailed in the materials, based on the scholarship announcements, applicants should be prepared to provide:

  • Information about their LGBTQ+ identity or ally status

  • Educational goals and field of study

  • Personal statement/essay about their background and aspirations

  • Information demonstrating commitment to LGBTQ+ community

    • Selection Committee:

  • Composed of Cream City Foundation board members and community members

  • Reviews all applications and selects recipients

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    lgbtq

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