Point Foundation: Empowering LGBTQ Students to Make a Difference in the World

Based in Los Angeles, California, Point Foundation is the largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit in America. Point empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential to make a significant impact on society through scholarship funding, leadership development, mentorship, and community service training.

LGBTQ students applying for Point Foundation scholarships usually have inspiring and compelling stories of overcoming obstacles in pursuit of their dreams. Many applicants have been rejected by their families – some have been cut off from all financial support, while others have been forced to leave home.



Point considers several factors when assessing scholarship applicants, including personal merit, academic achievement, leadership, involvement in the LGBTQ community, financial need, marginalization, professional experiences, and personal goals. Point seeks applicants with very strong academic performance, proven leadership skills, and a desire to make a difference in the world.

Every year, Point announces its new scholar class in June during LGBTQ Pride Month. The foundation's program year begins in July with a Leadership Conference, where scholars and alumni receive training in personal development skills, leadership development, community service guidance, and LGBTQ advocacy. Through this conference, Point helps its scholars develop a clear understanding of the connection between these attributes and the LGBTQ community, its history, and its future.

Point Foundation also matches each scholar with a mentor who is a successful professional and a prominent member of the LGBTQ and ally community. Mentors help scholars with professional career decisions and assist them in completing an annual community service project required by Point.

By identifying and supporting LGBTQ students of merit, Point hopes to provide a greater level of acceptance, respect, and tolerance for all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Through its programs, Point challenges attitudes contributing to prejudice and social stigma, thus creating social change.

Point Foundation Guides LGBTQ Students in the Right Direction

The largest scholarship granting organization for promising LGBTQ students in America, Point Foundation provides financial support, mentoring, leadership training, and hope to a community of individuals who are often marginalized due to their sexual orientation. Founded in 2001, Point was born out of entrepreneur Bruce Lindstrom's own past experiences. Growing up in a strict, evangelical household, Lindstrom came out to his parents and was subsequently excluded from all family get-togethers for 15 years. Despite a lack of support from his family, he was determined to do well in school and eventually finished college and graduate school.

During the 1970s, Lindstrom met membership warehouse pioneer Sol Price, who later became his mentor. It was then that Lindstrom realized the importance of mentoring and leadership. These principles, along with academic excellence, would form the foundation of Lindstrom's idea of “a different kind of organization.” Following a very successful career in business, Lindstrom and longtime partner Carl Strickland started Point Foundation to give back to the community and help young LGBTQ students reach their full academic and leadership potential.

In 2002, Point successfully supported its first class of eight scholars with seed capital from Lindstrom and Strickland. Last year, the organization funded 71 scholars at some of the country's best colleges and universities in various academic fields. To date, more than 120 Point alumni have received their higher education degrees.

Point Foundation also runs a mentoring program in which scholars are matched with a mentor who is a successful professional in his or her own respective field. Point mentors provide personal support and professional career guidance, as well as oversee the completion of a required annual community service leadership project.

On September 15, Point will host a fundraising dinner and concert at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. Called Voice on Point, the event will highlight the stories and achievements of Point scholars and feature performances and appearances by Robin Thicke, Mark Ballas, Queen Latifah, and more.