Gaingels Scholarship
Supporting LGBTQIA+ and underrepresented students in their educational journey.
Overview
The Gaingels Scholarship is a need-based financial aid program established in 2020 by Gaingels, a prominent LGBTQIA+ venture capital investment firm. The program supports LGBTQIA+ and underrepresented students pursuing higher education in the United States. It combines financial support with mentorship and professional development opportunities to create a comprehensive pathway into the startup and venture ecosystem.
Investment focus
The Gaingels Scholarship aims to increase diversity in the venture capital industry by supporting LGBTQIA+ and underrepresented students. It seeks to empower these individuals economically and build the next generation of diverse founders and investors, creating pathways from education to startup careers.
Program details
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their financial need clearly and highlight their commitment to their education and future career in the startup ecosystem.
Who it is for
Applicants must be LGBTQIA+ or from an underrepresented background, attend or plan to attend a U.S. educational institution, and demonstrate financial need. Priority is given to students at public/state institutions.
Check if you are eligible
Check your eligibility for Gaingels ScholarshipAdmissions and application
The scholarship operates on an annual cycle with rolling applications. Interested students should check Gaingels' website for current application deadlines and requirements.
Benefits
In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients are paired with mentors from the Gaingels network, providing guidance and exposure to the venture capital and startup industry. Recipients also have access to internship opportunities with Gaingels and its portfolio companies.
Timeline
The scholarship operates annually, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. Specific deadlines can be found on the Gaingels website.
What came of it
Gaingels reports issuing 99 scholarships from 2020 through 2023, totaling $495,000 in awards over that period. [57829, 57830]
How to go about it
- Read what it asks for
Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.
- Have something to show
Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.
- Apply the way the program asks
The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.
What it pays
Each scholarship recipient receives $5,000 to support their educational expenses. This financial aid is designed to supplement other financial aid sources.
Questions about this program
Who is eligible for the Gaingels Scholarship?
LGBTQIA+ students and underrepresented students attending U.S. educational institutions with demonstrated financial need are eligible.
How much is the scholarship?
Each recipient receives $5,000.
About Gaingels
Gaingels
Empowering LGBTQ+ founders and executives.
Other programs by Gaingels
Scout ProgramGaingels
Empowering diverse voices in venture capital through community-driven deal sourcing.
- Location
- New York, New York, United States
- Format
- Hybrid
FellowshipGaingels
Empowering underrepresented talent in venture capital.
- Format
- Remote
- Terms
- Stipend
From public sources
What the sources say about Gaingels Scholarship
Granted AI warns that its scholarship listing may be outdated and does not establish current intake dates.
Source: Gaingels Scholarship (2026) | Granted AINVCA and Venture Forward announced Gaingels as their 2026 Inclusion Impact Award recipient; the recognition is for the organization.
Source: Gaingels Named 2026 Inclusion Impact Award Winner by NVCA and Venture ForwardBronx Community College lists the Gaingels scholarship as a student scholarship resource.
Source: Transfer Scholarships – Bronx Community CollegeCalifornia Community Foundation describes donations as irrevocable gifts under its board's control; this concerns donors.
Source: Gaingels Scholars - California Community FoundationCalifornia Community Foundation's donation form states that it controls assets contributed to the Gaingels Scholars Fund.
Source: Gaingels Scholars - California Community FoundationCalifornia Community Foundation displays the Gaingels Scholars donation form; no payment was attempted.
Source: Gaingels Scholars - California Community Foundation
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