At SpeakOut, our mission has always been to uplift and invest in LGBTQIA+ people of color. Like many nonprofit organizations serving the LGBTQIA+ community, we have faced significant financial challenges over the past year—including federal funding cuts—which have deeply impacted our operations and programming.
These financial obstacles have delayed several key initiatives, including the postponement of our signature event, the I AM Awards, which we now plan to relaunch in April 2026.
We want to begin with a sincere apology to our community, especially to the individuals affected by delays in scholarship disbursements. We understand the confusion and disappointment this has caused and take full responsibility. Transparency and trust are foundational to our work, and we are committed to restoring both.
Since the launch of our scholarship program, we’ve stated clearly on our website that awards are offered in amounts “up to $10,000.” While that total has been available based on organizational funding, no individual recipient has ever received the full allocation. Each year, we have selected two recipients, with the maximum individual disbursement to date being $5,000.
In the fall of 2024, two recipients were selected, with disbursements scheduled for 2025. As of now, neither recipient has received their funding, and we are actively working with each awardee to fulfill the commitments outlined in their award letters.
This scholarship exists to invest in LGBTQIA+ changemakers—people already doing powerful work in their communities. Past recipients have used their awards to further their education, expand their advocacy, and create lasting impact, and we remain proud to be part of their journey.
As we look toward 2026 and the return of the I AM Awards, we are focused on strengthening our financial stability, improving communication, and honoring every commitment we’ve made. To our applicants, recipients, and supporters—thank you for your continued belief in our mission. We hear you, and we are working to do better.