LGBTQ+ Financial Resources
Are you looking for LGBTQ+ scholarships? Do you need help navigating access to financial aid without family support? Are you seeking emergency funding, shelter or food? Start with the resources below.
If you don’t find the resources you’re looking for below, or if you want some one-on-one help navigating these and other resources, you can always reach out to our staff at pride@colorado.edu.
Scholarships
The Center for Inclusion and Social Change (CISC) offers opportunities for financial support to CU Boulder students. Several of these scholarships were created for LGBTQ+ students and those who advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
Each scholarship was created with a unique vision and different eligibility requirements. Read more about CISC’s scholarships on our Scholarships page. If you have any questions or are unsure if you are eligible for a specific scholarship, please feel free to reach out to CISC staff. We are always happy to help!
Best Colleges compiled a list of . Scholarships established for LGBTQ+ college students are available from several public and private organizations, as well as individual donors. Some welcome all LGBTQ+ applicants, while others may focus on specific subgroups.
Financial aid
If you are an LGBTQ student who has been rejected or are no longer being supported by your family, you may apply for an exemption with FAFSA. This would allow you to apply without having your parents’ tax information. Contact Financial Aid to get help with this process.
Emergency funding
The Student Emergency Fund provides support to CU Boulder students experiencing a crisis that could adversely affect their semester. Student Emergency Fund application can be used by students impacted by the December 30, 2021, Boulder County Fires or COVID-19. The funds are limited and not intended to provide ongoing relief for recurring expenses. Not all applications will be approved, even if a student meets the eligibility criteria. Students may contact the Office of the Dean of StudentsÌý·É¾±³Ù³óÌý±ç³Ü±ð²õ³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô²õ.
The University of Colorado Boulder Graduate Student Emergency Aid Fund is intended to help meet the financial needs of Boulder graduate students who encounter an emergency situation resulting in unforeseen expenses during their degree program.
The Buff Pantry is the on-campus food pantry at the University of Colorado Boulder and is here to support CU Boulder students who are experiencing food insecurity.
Students are welcome to visit the Buff Pantry one time per week and will receive approximately 20 pounds of food per visit. The Buff Pantry provides shelf-stable products, fresh produce, and refrigerated, frozen and personal care items at no cost to students. Food and personal care item selection will vary based on availability, donations and time of year.
The Buff Pantry is located in the University Memorial Center (UMC) basement 1B73, near the lower level of the CU Book Store. Several times per semester, CU students can access a Mobile Food Pantry at other campus locations.
Out Boulder County and the Boulder County and Boulder’s Human Relations Commission have partnered with local homeless shelters and transitional shelters to affirm their support of the trans community. Those partner shelters include:
, offering shelter for women, nonbinary and trans folks and their children.
, providing shelter, services and a crisis line for survivors of domestic violence.
, a youth homelessness organization offering free overnight shelter for anyone aged 12-20 and a free daytime drop-in center for anyone aged 12-24.
, offering housing solutions, safe shelter, food and support services for adults in Boulder County.
, offering weeknight dinners, case management and a ready-to-work employment program.
, a Longmont organization offering overnight and daytime shelter, street outreach, medical/emergency assistance and a SafeLot program that provides safe parking, storage, restrooms, meals and other resources for those living in their cars.
, offering supportive housing, transitional housing, contracted housing with community partners, and no-cost housing for teens aged 16+ facing homelessness.
- in Denver provides safe, comfortable shelter and personalized services for women, transgender and nonbinary individuals experiencing homelessness, providing housing-focused shelter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Beds are assigned at 10 a.m. daily. Call the facility at 303-534-5411 to inquire about bed availability and complete a brief phone screen.