You are currently viewing 04 – Resources – TAF – The Alexander Foundation – LGBTQ+ Assistance Programs, Scholarships

04 – Resources – TAF – The Alexander Foundation – LGBTQ+ Assistance Programs, Scholarships

 

The Alexander Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)3, all-volunteer organization whose sole focus is to give back to the LGBTQ+ community of Colorado.

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE GRANT

This program provides assistance to those individuals who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties. Community Assistance is intended for immediate needs such as rent, security deposits, medical expenses, food, clothing, utility bills, and other basic living expenses. Assistance checks are issues only to third parties; for example, the recipient’s landlord or utility company.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

  • Part of the LGBTQ+ community

  • Reside in Colorado

  • Pre-approved by a recognized Referral Agency

Applicants must demonstrate financial need and must not have received Community Assistance from The Alexander Foundation within the previous 12-month period. The maximum amount of assistance is $200. Individuals may only receive assistance three (3) times.

THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF COLORADO CATASTROPHIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

This program is intended to provide support to those who are at risk of losing their ability to provide basic life needs due to treatment or complications related to cancer, a catastrophic illness, or a serious illness. Examples include medical care, housing, food, clothing, phones, and utilities. Unlike one-time assistance provided through the Community Assistance Program, this program provides fixed monthly assistance for up to 12 months. The amount of assistance is determined by the recipients’ needs but cannot exceed $2400 (or $200 per month).

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

  • Part of the LGBTQ+ community

  • Reside in Colorado

  • Have been diagnosed with a form of cancer, catastrophic illness, or serious injury. HIV positive status alone does not qualify someone for this program.

  • The applicant’s healthcare provider must certify the condition or diagnosis.

Applicants must demonstrate financial need, and cannot have received financial assistance from the Foundation during the previous 6 months. The “Certification of Medical Condition” must come from the applicant’s healthcare provider, and may also be e-mailed or faxed.

HOLIDAY LETTER ASSISTANCE

The Holiday Letter Assistance program provides one-time assistance during the traditional holiday season from November through December. The amount of assistance is based on need and the financial support appeal response from the community.

Eligibility

The recipient must be:

  • Part of the LGBTQ+ community

  • Reside in Colorado

  • Demonstrate financial need 

A certification from a Referral Agency must accompany the application. Individuals may receive Holiday Letter Assistance a maximum of three times. Holiday letter Assistance is issued to third parties based on the need expressed in the application.

Application Process

Three to four weeks before the deadline, The Alexander Foundation’s Assistance Programs Director will notify Referral Agencies when Holiday Letter Assistance applications are due (typically at the end of November/early December). Referring agencies are encouraged to contact The Alexander Foundation to ensure all mailed applications have been received.

HOW TO APPLY: COMMUNITY & CATASTROPHIC ASSISTANCE APPLICATION PROCESS
All Assistance Program applications MUST come from a Referral Agency. Applications are processed as they are received, and distributions occur within three to four weeks of receipt of the completed application.
 Referral Agencies must fax or e-mail assistance applications to The Alexander Foundation’s office on behalf of an applicant; mailed applications will not be accepted. To learn more about these programs, including the information required for Community Assistance and Catastrophic Assistance Grants, please contact a Referral Agency.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Alexander Foundation was founded in 1981 as a public, non-profit, philanthropic organization. Through our three education scholarships, the foundation has continued a tradition of caring for the LGBTQ+ community to overcome barriers they may face in pursuit of academic success.

Applicants for ALL scholarships must:

  • Identify within the LGBTQ+ community

  • Be residents of Colorado

  • Be pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education in the state of Colorado

Applications for ALL scholarships require:

  • A completed online application form

  • A personal essay that tells us about you and your goals, how the scholarship will help you achieve them, elaborate on your financial need, and your current or future plans for supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

  • Two signed letters of recommendation, including at least one academic reference on school letterhead.

  • A photocopy of a state or federally issued ID

 Furthermore, each scholarship has additional eligibility and application requirements. Please see below for further details about each of the three scholarship opportunities.

Applications will be accepted through March 20, 2022.

The Alexander Foundation Scholarships

Scholarships awarded from The Alexander Foundation provide financial assistance to those seeking a higher education degree from an accredited institution in the State of Colorado. Selection for awards are based on merit, need, and service to the LGBTQ+ community. Annual scholarship award amounts range from $300 to $3,000.

Eligibility and Process

In addition to the requirements listed above, each applicant must also:

  • Be pursuing a higher education degree within Colorado. However, exceptions may be made in certain instances. If you would like to apply for an exception, please elaborate in your personal essay (i.e., online program, continuing education over the summer, etc)

Applicants may apply as often as they wish; however, recipients are limited to a cumulative maximum award limit of $9,000.

The David and Sharon Alexander Scholarship

The David and Sharon Alexander Scholarship was created through a generous donation from the Alexander family. This scholarship, named for David and Sharon Alexander, serves to honor the contributions they made to furthering the education of their children, through providing funding to future generations of educators. 

Awarded annually to a student pursuing a degree that supports education and learning, recipients will receive a $1000 scholarship to be used on any school related expense. Students awarded the David and Sharon Alexander Scholarship are eligible for a continued annual award of $1000 for up to four years.

Eligibility and Process

In addition to the requirements listed above, each applicant must also:

  • Be pursuing a degree in education, higher education, counseling, school psychology, social work, special education, or a teaching certificate. Students pursuing their first degree post high school will be given preference, however, any student pursuing a degree in an education related field is encouraged to apply.

  • Demonstrate financial need in their application process.

  • Fill out an additional supplement, providing a statement that addresses the importance of education and your goals for pursuing a degree in an education related field.

Applicants who are not awarded the David and Sharon Alexander Foundation Scholarship will automatically be considered for all other Alexander Foundation Scholarships.

Apply Here

The Jordon Connor Memorial Scholarship

The Jordon Connor Memorial Scholarship was created through a generous donation from Michael & Gina Connor and Michael Alexander. The scholarship, named for Jordon Connor, serves to honor Jordon by providing funding to future generations of mental health providers dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ communities.

Awarded annually to two students pursuing a degree in a mental health-related field, recipients receive a $1,000 scholarship for any school-related expenses. Students who are awarded the Jordon Connor Memorial Scholarship are eligible for a continued annual award of $1,000 for up to four years.

Eligibility and Process

In addition to the requirements listed above, each applicant must also:

  • Be pursuing a degree in a mental health-related field (social work, psychology, counseling, etc.) at an accredited institution of higher education in the state of Colorado Students pursuing their first degree post-high school will be given preference. However, any student pursuing a degree in a mental health-related field is eligible and encouraged to apply.

  • Demonstrate financial need in their application process.

  • Fill out an additional supplement, providing a statement that addresses the importance of education and your goals for pursuing a degree in a mental health-related field.

Applicants who are not awarded the Jordon Connor Memorial Scholarship will automatically be considered for all other Alexander Foundation Scholarships.