Queer Philanthropy Circle

Uniting for better tomorrows

For decades, Indiana University has been recognized as a leader among U.S. colleges and universities for its work in providing a safe and equitable learning environment for those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+). The Queer Philanthropy Circle (QPC) aims to continue and strengthen this proud legacy.

The QPC brings IU donors together to support LGBTQ+ students, alumni, staff, and faculty to enrich the IU experience for all. Through the Queer Philanthropy Circle Initiatives Fund, we award grants aimed at improving recruitment, retention, and degree attainment for students, and the quality of professional life for faculty and staff on all IU campuses. Following the Black Philanthropy Circle, the QPC is the second affinity-based giving circle at the IU Foundation and the first of its kind in the country.

Our strategic priorities:

  • Develop programs and practices focused on LGBTQ+ support and engagement.
  • Advocate for inclusive policies at IU, including health, wellness, and mental safety services.
  • Administer an annual grant program aimed at making Indiana University a more accessible, equitable, and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people and others.

Philanthropy must continue to change with the times. It’s not enough to pay lip service to diversity and inclusion. We must actively strive to improve the lives of those who are marginalized and underrepresented.

David Henry Jacobs, QPC founding chair and member

Join our inclusive community.

IU’s Queer Philanthropy Circle is made up of LGBTQ+ alumni, friends, and allies of Indiana University. Our members are committed individuals who not only want to support IU’s LGBTQ+ communities, but also shape the future of IU.

Make a gift to the Queer Philanthropy Circle Initiatives Fund to support our work. To get more involved, make a gift at one of the following levels.

Active Member of the QPC

Commit to making a $5,000 annual gift for a term of three years to receive designation as a voting member who participates in meetings.

Partner of the QPC

Make a gift of $2,500 to $4,999 annually to receive non-voting member status and invitation to participate in meetings.

Associate of the QPC

Make a gift of $500 to $2,499 annually.

We have established a fund has to support memberships for a limited number of interested individuals each year. The QPC Investing in Our Leaders Program creates opportunities for those with the expertise, time, and passion for making a difference—while acknowledging potential financial constraints.

This grant has been such an amazing reminder of the power of the queer community and its allies to care for each other and help each other when they are in need.

IU graduate student who received help from the QPC-funded Patient Assistant Program at IU Bloomington’s Student Health Center

$803,700 AWARDEDIn QPC grants since 2019

Funding projects across all IU campuses

The QPC strives to create a space where all individuals can thrive with safety and respect. Grants help us support programs, resources, and opportunities that continue to make that a reality at IU. Through our annual grant awards, we have helped fund dozens of initiatives across all IU campuses. Examples include:

The OASIS Project—This project aims to create new LGBTQ+ programming for undergraduate and graduate students, broadening the scope of existing Queer Student Union (QSU) programming, and expanding QSU marketing efforts. The project champions the needs of LGBTQ+ students by cultivating an open, safe, and vibrant queer culture at IU Bloomington.

Queer Cultural Competency Among Dental Faculty—A team at IU School of Dentistry (IUSD) is initiating a project to enhance cultural competency and LGBTQ+ awareness among dental faculty, building on insights gained through the team’s previous work. The project ultimately aims to create a more inclusive environment at IUSD, improving dental education and patient care outcomes, thereby promoting oral health equity.

IU LGBTQ+ Alumni Association—This scholarship program provides academic and emergency scholarships to students on all IU campuses. These scholarships recognize academic achievement and leadership, invest in student futures, and help students who have been financially disowned by their families stay in school.

In-House LGBTQ+ Center Counseling—The LGBTQ+ Center at IU Indianapolis connects LGBTQ+ students and allies to the resources they need to be successful with a tailored approach in an accessible environment. Through collaboration with the IU School of Social Work, BSW and MSW students will practice skills in working with LGBTQ+ students through light case management, harm reduction, and resource referral.

Intensive First Year Seminar—The Intensive First Year Seminar “Queer Activism, and Public Issues” provides a crucial entry point for queer high school students and their allies to begin their transition to Indiana University. Grant funds supported summer housing for incoming freshman enrolled in the course and additional staff time needed to provide a supportive, welcoming, high-impact residential program.

Advancing priorities of the Queer communities.

The goal of the QPC is simple: We want every person connected with IU to feel safe and supported and able to achieve their goals. We invite you to join the Indiana University Queer Philanthropy Circle and be a champion for IU’s LGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff, alumni, and allies.

Support IU’s LGBTQ+ community