[Maine Community Foundation](https://www.mainecf.org)

May 1, 2026 (Full application submission deadline)

Award size and number vary by year; non-renewable; paid directly to college/university.

Provides financial support to LGBTQ+ graduating seniors and allies from Maine high schools pursuing post-secondary education.

Application must be submitted as a PDF by 5:00pm ET; only graduating Maine high school seniors are eligible.

--- ## Description The Parsons Scholarship Fund for LGBTQ Youth and Allies offers financial assistance to LGBTQ+ graduating seniors and their allies from Maine high schools as they pursue higher education at accredited, not-for-profit, non-sectarian colleges or universities in the United States. The scholarship is inspired by the legacy of Betsy Parsons, a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ youth in Maine, and aims to empower recipients to achieve their academic and leadership goals while fostering a supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community. --- ## Due Dates - May 1, 2026: Full application submission deadline (all materials must be received in PDF format by 5:00pm ET) - May 1 (annual): Recurring annual deadline All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - The number and size of awards depend on available funds each year. - Awards are **not renewable**. - Funds are paid directly to the recipient's college or university, typically in December for the spring semester. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be **graduating seniors** at a Maine high school. - Open to students of any gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic background. - Both LGBTQ+ students and allies are encouraged to apply. - Applicants must be legal residents of the State of Maine. - Must intend to enroll in an accredited, not-for-profit, non-sectarian college or university in the United States. --- ## Application Process - Complete the Parsons Family Scholarship application (available on the [MaineCF scholarship page](https://www.mainecf.org/find-a-scholarship/available-scholarships/parsons-scholarship-fund-for-lgbtq-youth-and-allies)). - Prepare all required materials in PDF format and submit via email to [ParsonsFamilyScholarship@gmail.com](mailto:ParsonsFamilyScholarship@gmail.com) by 5:00pm ET on May 1. - Required materials: - Completed scholarship application form - Scholarship-specific information - Personal statement (approx. 300 words per question; see application for prompts) - Unofficial high school transcript - Two recommendation letters (may be sent separately) - Financial Information Release Form (if awarded) - All applications and supporting documents are confidential. --- ## Additional Information - Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, leadership, commitment to promoting diversity and LGBTQ+ equality, and overall potential to contribute positively to their communities. - The application requires a personal statement addressing leadership, goals, and perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues. - Award announcements may be publicized, but applicants can opt out of having their name/likeness published. --- ## External Links - [Parsons Scholarship Fund for LGBTQ Youth and Allies Program Page](https://www.mainecf.org/find-a-scholarship/available-scholarships/parsons-scholarship-fund-for-lgbtq-youth-and-allies) - [Maine Community Foundation Scholarships Overview](https://www.mainecf.org/find-a-scholarship/available-scholarships/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |---------------------------|---------------------------------------------|----------------| | Maine Community Foundation| [scholarships@mainecf.org](mailto:scholarships@mainecf.org) | 207-412-2004 | | Scholarship Committee | [ParsonsFamilyScholarship@gmail.com](mailto:ParsonsFamilyScholarship@gmail.com) | | | Staff Directory | [MaineCF Staff Page](https://www.mainecf.org/about-us/staff/) | |

Parsons Scholarship Fund for LGBTQ Youth and Allies

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