The Safe Schools Desert Cities Fund was established in 2022 to award annual Burton/May Pride Scholarships. The awards were established by John Burton and Ken May to recognize outstanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or intersex (LGBTQI) youth who, through their participation, dedication and initiative have helped foster a positive self image among other LGBTQI youth. We are pleased to share this letter of appreciation from a recent scholarship recipient as part of our Dear Donors series.
July 16, 2026
Dear Donors of The Safe Schools Scholarship Fund,
Thank you very much for your generosity in providing me with a Safe Desert Cities scholarship! This money will help me pay for housing at California State University Fullerton, where I will be studying Biology.
I am not only grateful for this scholarship it helps me financially, but also because of the moral support I feel from Safe Schools for students in the LGBT community. I received such positive feedback at the award ceremony and also at the Pride Prom. What a wonderful group of people.
I believe my wish to someday help the LGBT community in the scientific and/or medical field helped me get this scholarship, and it is people like you that inspire me to do this.
Sincerely Yours,
Francesco Konopka
Twentynine Palms High School Class of 2026
Students can apply for IECF scholarships through our Common Application Portal. If you’re interested in establishing a scholarship fund of your own, contact the IECF Charitable Giving team at 951.241.7777 or giving@iegives.org.
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