Nic Pagano LGBTQIA+ Scholarship Fund
Funding Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
Foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Annual
- Tracked since
- April 2026
Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Eligible organizations
- Individuals/families in need of financial help
Geography
- Contact/Administration: Based at Caron Treatment Center in partnership with Release Foundation (NY)
Other requirements
- Members of LGBTQIA+ community
- Those who have accepted and committed to treatment for substance use disorder
- Those engaged in comprehensive education in sober tools
- Track Record: Over 30 financial scholarships awarded since inception in fall 2021
Overview
Financial assistance program for families and individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community in need of support after accepting treatment for substance use disorder.
Background: Nic was interested in social work and advocated for marginalized communities, particularly the transgender community. His parents, Karen Marks and Rich Pagano, helped establish this fund.
Geographic Scope: United States (partnerships with Release Foundation in New York and Caron Treatment Center in Pennsylvania)
Focus Areas:
- Substance use disorder treatment access
- LGBTQIA+ community support
- Addressing stigma, heterosexism, internalized homophobia, and discrimination
- Trauma-informed care
Eligibility:
- Members of LGBTQIA+ community
- Individuals/families in need of financial help
- Those who have accepted and committed to treatment for substance use disorder
- Those engaged in comprehensive education in sober tools
Track Record: Over 30 financial scholarships awarded since inception in fall 2021
Contact/Administration: Based at Caron Treatment Center in partnership with Release Foundation (NY)
Supporting Events: Annual Nic Pagano Concert (held January 22, 2026 - 5th Annual) featuring tribute to Elton John with proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund
What The Release Recovery Foundation Inc actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2024
- Grants in 2024
- 13
- Total given
- $408K
- Median grant
- $15K
- Range
- $7,500–$91K
- By dollars: Palau 22%, New York 22%, Connecticut 14%. Top recipient cities: Wernersville, PW; New York, NY; Kent, CT.
- 0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
Example grants
Caron Treatment Services · Wernersville, PW
Scholarship for individual to recieve mental health treatment
$91K
Charlie Health · New York, NY
Scholarship for individual to recieve mental health treatment
$89K
High Watch Recovery Center · Kent, CT
Scholarship for individual to recieve mental health treatment
$58K
Surfside Recovery Services · Ventnor City, NJ
Scholarship for individual to recieve mental health treatment
$43K
Ashley Addiction Treatment · Havre De Grace, MD
Scholarship fund for individuals to recieve addiction treatment
$40K
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- LGBTQ
- Addiction recovery
- Mental health
Categories
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