Funding Initiative: Support for LGBTQ+ Students

Approximately one in six young people identify as other than heterosexual. A survey by the Higher Education Research Institute indicates that 12 to 16 percent of Fordham’s senior class identifies as LGBTQ+.  Such students as well as faculty and staff continue to confront bias, prejudice, and rejection by family, schools, and spiritual communities.

Meeting the distinctive needs of LGBTQ+ students is consonant with Fordham’s identity as a Jesuit Catholic university. Fordham has the opportunity to show every student, prospective student, parent, and alum that they will be welcomed, included, and affirmed at the University. Our commitment is to support every Fordham student as a whole person.

Areas in which Fordham seeks additional current use and endowed support to advance LGBTQ+ initiatives include:

Speakers, programs, and student conferences

• Graduate assistantships with the Office of Multicultural Affairs
• Stipends for LGBTQ+-related research by students and faculty
• Community engaged learning courses in concert with organizations serving LGBTQ+ communities
• Retreats and pastoral care for LGBTQ+ students to help them integrate their faith and gender/sexual identities Scholarships, housing, and emergency funds for students facing challenges  such as homelessness, domestic violence, and family rejection that disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ students

Give Now to Support LGBTQ+ Students

Interested in endowing funds, naming opportunities, or have other questions? Please contact Michael Boyd, senior associate vice president of development and university relations, at 212-636-6525 or mboyd7@fordham.edu.