The Apollo AIDS-Crisis Fund serves as the philanthropic arm of the Mystic Krewe of Apollo-Baton Rouge. Since 1993, we have served as a vital funding source for HIV/AIDS services, providing a safety net for neighbors facing acute financial distress. Our organization is not affiliated with any political causes, and has donated proceeds as well as participated in numerous charities for HIV/AIDS and children’s causes throughout the years. 

• Emergency Assistance Program

Our Apollo AIDS-Crisis Fund provides direct intervention for individuals whose health outcomes are threatened by financial instability. Grants are issued as checks payable directly to vendors (utilities, landlords, medical providers) to resolve immediate crises. Since 2022, the fund has stabilized over 65 individuals with more than $60,000 in aid. Our impact accelerated in 2025, where we dispersed $20,668.91 to assist 22 individuals in critical need. 

• The K.D. Linkous-Smith Memorial Scholarship

In 2022, we expanded our mission to empower the next generation of LGBTQIA+ activists, allies, and leaders with the creation of the Mystic Krewe of Apollo-Baton Rouge Scholarship, now renamed as the K.D. Linkous-Smith Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship supports students from Louisiana as they pursue post-secondary academic degrees or career certifications. Since its inception in 2022, we have awarded 11 scholarships totaling $22,000. In the 2025-2026 cycle, we awarded $8,000 to four promising scholars, investing directly in the future leadership of the Baton Rouge community.