Mission:
To invest in the education, job training, and career opportunities of a diverse group of LGBT+ individuals who have the capacity and vision to be prominent business leaders working to create a better world for all.
Vision:
One of the best ways to get involved and expand your network is through committees. We work together to solve problems and impact change in our community from advocating business policies to events and so much more!
Awards:
The Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund, a 501c(3) organization, awards scholarships to LGBTQ and allied students who exhibit leadership potential, strong academic abilities, and involvement in school and community organizations. We are committed to ongoing funding of our undergraduate scholars. Every scholar who has met certain criteria is eligible for up to four years of undergraduate scholarship funding. This commitment to our scholars’ success and eventual graduation helps support our future leaders in a way that few programs are able to do. We ask our donors to consider also making ongoing commitments to help sustain the continuing support that is so vital to the success of our mission.
Business Academy
The Business Academy serves as on-going training for LGBTQ+ business owners to improve their current business knowledge. The Business Academy curriculum equips them with fundamental skills and practical strategies for leadership and enhances their understanding of diversity, social justice, and group dynamics. Business training opportunities are provided year-round through the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
Apply:
Step 1: Apply Online
The application is available online Sept 1st, 2022 and must be submitted by October 31st, 2022 (6:00 PM CST).
Getting Started:
- Look through the entire application and get familiar with it. You cannot save work so please review application before beginning submission.
- Some answers will open short essay questions. Use these opportunities to tell us more about that specific aspect of yourself.
- We ask for several written essays. Please write these outside of the application, copy and paste them into the essay sections, and make sure to save copies for your records. Some of the essays may be submitted in a video format instead of written.
Required Materials:
- Academic transcript (official or unofficial)
- Resume -please include:
- Work experience
- School activities and honors
- Extracurricular and community activities, including volunteer roles, arts, and/or activism
- Several essay questions (upload docs)
Optional Materials:
- Letter(s) of recommendation
Step 2: Semi-Finalist Selected
A team of community volunteers from the Chamber’s Education Fund Board of Directors will individually review and rate each application on the basis of the evaluation criteria. Each team will select the individuals they feel best exemplify the selection criteria. These semi-finalists will be notified in mid November 2022 and will be asked Zoom or phone interview.
Step 3: Scholars Selected
A panel of volunteers will interview semi-finalists in November 2022. The volunteers will then make their selection as to who will be awarded an Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund Scholarship. We introduce our scholars (in-person or via video) to the community at our annual Scholarship Awards Celebration in December 2022.
Apply Today!
Support the Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund
President’s Circle
- The President’s Circle represents some of the LGBT Chamber Education Fund’s biggest supporters, these are donors who have invested $50,000+ in our future leaders. These donors are instrumental in supporting the longevity of the Fund through their yearly contributions and continuous championing of the Fund throughout the community. President’s Circle members receive an invitation to our annual President’s Circle dinner, annual donor receptions.
Platinum Club
The Platinum Club of the LBGT Chamber Education Fund are those donors who have given a onetime gift or pledge to the Fund of $10,000 or more. The LGBT Chamber will hold an annual Platinum Club Reception for major donors as a thank you and to report on the growth of the Fund and its programs.
Gold Club
The Gold Club is the major donor club of the LBGT Chamber Education Fund. Platinum Club members demonstrate their support for the Education Fund by making a significant gift of $1,000 or more per year. This amount represents a significant contribution to our ability to support our future leaders. Gold Club receives an invitation to the annual Gold Club Luncheon.
Sustaining Donor
Become an LGBT Chamber Education Fund Sustaining Donor By making a recurring monthly donation, you make a lasting commitment to the success of the Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund Scholars, supporting them to achieve their dreams of a higher education. Becoming a sustaining donor is a great way to help ensure the stability and effectiveness of the Education Fund. Investing in the future of our community through estate gifts to the LGBT Chamber Education Fund allows us to continue what we are doing today well into the future. Donors can also show their commitment to tomorrow’s LGBTQ+ and allied leaders through bequests in their wills.
Thank You!
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for joining us as we help LGBT students in need.
We could not do this without your support. Austin LGBT Chamber Foundation on June 28th, 2020 filed for 501(c)3 tax elections with IRS. Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Education Fund currently is a Texas nonprofit organization in good standing with the Texas Secretary of State.
Workplace Giving
These programs allow you to designate a portion of your salary to be deducted from your paycheck and forwarded directly to the Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund.
Many businesses also offer matching gift programs, doubling the impact of your contribution. Check with your Human Resources Department to see if your company provides a workplace giving or matching gift program.
Speak with your company leaders to see if your company is also interested in supporting this amazing program.
For more information about scholarships, sponsorships, giving and more, please contact us at Education@AustinLGBTchamber.
Thank You Sponsors
