Desert Sparkles Fund
LGBTQIA+ Funding
EIN: 99-2245969
Mission Statement:
To provide students tuition, living funds, and educational programs at the College of the Desert, and other educational institutions who identify as LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, or Asexual +).
We added "educational programs" to our mission statement to allow for DSF to allocate funding to colleges so that students could attend seminars, conferences, etc and expose them to a variety of learning activities.
Here are a few examples:
-
Funding student participation in LGBTQ+ professional development (national conferences, etc.)
-
Textbooks and other immediate academic needs
-
Emergency funds for students experiencing housing, transportation, and wellness challenges
-
LGBTQ+ event participation (supplies, tickets, etc.)
-
Transfer university application fees and university visits
-
Collaborations with other California Community College LGBTQ+ student leadership groups
DSF impact to date:
2018-2025
205 Student Scholarships awarded, totaling $240,000
Purchase your tickets before February 28th.
100% of the proceeds go towards scholarships.
Submit your email if you want to know more and/or want to know more about sponsorships and silent auction donations.
Supporting Dreams
Empowering Youth Through Education
Also available from a local vendor - corsage and boutonnière
At Desert Sparkles Fund, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. By supporting our cause, you are investing in the future of bright and deserving students.
Every corsage and boutonnière purchase contributes to scholarships for aspiring individuals. Join us in making dreams come true!
When ordering, say it is for Fantasy Prom & a portion of it will go to Desert Sparkles Fund! They will deliver them to you.
Call Enchanted Floral Design 760-205-3007
Corsage $55
Boutonnière $35
A message from Lucio Bernal,
Founder & CEO at DSF.
After 7 years of organically growing the scholarship fund, Jon and I are thrilled with the success and the support of the local community. We have raised over $240,000 and awarded over 205 scholarships, and still going strong. We look forward to your continued support in 2026 and beyond.
Sincerely,
Lucio Bernal
Browse our website and learn how to:
