IOLA Foundation
IOLA Foundation is a public charity based in Los Angeles, California. Its mission is to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe, through storytelling, educational efforts, and grants supporting youth-focused projects.
Key facts about IOLA Foundation
In short: IOLA Foundation gave $230K across 23 grants in 2024 (avg $10K), top state California. 74% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990 filing.
- EIN
- 26-1906629
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990 filing, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $229,764
- Grants made (2024)
- 23
- Average grant
- $9,990
- Median grant
- $10,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 74% first-time grantees (17 of 23, 2024)
- Total assets
- $524,299
- Primary geography
- California (13% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Deadline
- The 50 States.
Data from IRS Form 990 filing, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990 filing · View filing
Total Assets
$524K
-43.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$230K
-55.6% YoY
Grant Count
23
-55.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$10K
+0.3% YoY
Is IOLA Foundation open to new grantees?
74%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 17 of 23 grantees (74%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $10K; repeat grants $10K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 26% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2022–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation states that It Gets Better’s mission is to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe. Its stated program areas include storytelling and educational resources, school-based projects, and support for LGBTQ+ youth through local organizations outside the United States.
Its grantees include schools and community organizations. For example, Young Women’s Preparatory Network describes its mission as supporting single-sex, college-preparatory public education in Texas for young women in urban schools. Prism United describes its mission as responding to the comprehensive needs of LGBTQ youth. Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii describes its mission as reducing and preventing drug abuse in Hawaii through awareness, education, and action.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 23 grants totaling $229,764. Grant amounts ranged from $9,814 to $10,000, with a median of $10,000. The foundation’s filing says its 2024 school initiative awarded nearly $250,000 to 25 schools and community organizations; that program figure is distinct from the filing’s reported grant count and total.
Review Cycle
The 50 States. 50 Grants. 5,000 Voices program listing gives March 15, 2026, a past deadline.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from IOLA Foundation
Ready to take the next step with IOLA Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s mission and programs include LGBTQ+ youth around the globe. Its Global Grants program prioritizes Asia, Europe, and North and South America, and also reports funded projects in Africa. Its school and community grant programs cover the United States; the 50 States initiative also describes coverage including U.S. territories and, in an expanded round, Canada.
For 2024, the largest listed shares of grant dollars by recipient state were California (13%), Texas (9%), Iowa (9%), Michigan (4%), and Maryland (4%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 23 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2022 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $230K (2024) to $518K (2023). In 2024 it made 23 grants totaling $230K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was APAC A3 - Artist Advocates & Accolades A3-Visual ($10K). Together the top 10 received $100K.
Grant Size Distribution
124 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 124 grants of 124 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| APAC A3 - Artist Advocates & Accolades A3-Visual Jackson, MI | Improve the experience of LGBTQ+ students at school | $10,000 |
| Board of Education of Howard County Maryland DBA Howard County Public Scho Ellicot City, MD | Improve the experience of LGBTQ+ students at school | $10,000 |
| Boise Public Schools Education Foundation Inc Boise, ID | Improve the experience of LGBTQ+ students at school | $10,000 |
| Boston Prepatory Charter Public School DBA Boston Prep Hyde Park, MA | Improve the experience of LGBTQ+ students at school | $10,000 |
| Central Arkansas Pride Little Rock, AR | Improve the experience of LGBTQ+ students at school | $10,000 |
| Coalition For A Drug-Free Hawaii Honolulu, HI | Improve the experience of LGBTQ+ students at school | $10,000 |
| Dubuque Community School District Dubuque, IA | Improve the experience of LGBTQ+ students at school | $10,000 |
| Fairness West Virginia Institute Charleston, WV | Improve the experience of LGBTQ+ students at school | $10,000 |
| Homeless Gay Kids - Houston DBA Tony's Place Houston, TX | Improve the experience of LGBTQ+ students at school | $10,000 |
| Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Foundation Los Angeles, CA | Improve the experience of LGBTQ+ students at school | $10,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $524,299 | $2,136,887 | $2,478,492 | $229,764 (23 grants) |
| 2023 | $920,376 | $2,504,910 | $4,152,364 | $517,797 (52 grants) |
| 2022 | $2,720,925 | $3,113,730 | $4,558,085 | $489,857 (49 grants) |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $524,299 | $920,376 | $2,720,925 |
| Revenue | $2,136,887 | $2,504,910 | $3,113,730 |
| Expenses | $2,478,492 | $4,152,364 | $4,558,085 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $1,147 | $27,100 | $7,682 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Paul Dien as chair and president; Avrielle Gallagher as vice chair; and Brian Pines as secretary and treasurer. Directors listed were Carl Boloney, Moe Ari Brown, Christina Fialho, Tracy Gilchrist, Rob Leis, Seth Levy, and Shaun Lewis. The filing states that Seth Levy resigned effective March 27, 2024, and that he and Brian Pines are married.
IOLA Foundation is led by Brian Wenke, Chief Executive Officer since 2022 (on filings since 2020); 4 of 16 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Brian Wenke
Chief Executive Officer
CEO → Chief Executive Officer, 2022
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$145K (2020) → $168K (2024)
Paul Dien
Chair & President
Director → Chair & President, 2021
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Justin Tindall
Senior Director, Programs & Operations
Director, Education & Global Programming → Director, Programs & Operations, 2022
Director, Programs & Operations → Senior Director, Programs & Operations, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$102K (2021) → $126K (2024)
Ross Von Metzke
Senior Director, Committee & Public Relations
Director, Committee & Public Relations → Senior Director, Committee & Public Relations, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$102K (2021) → $133K (2024)
Jimmy Ancheta-Tilley Jr.
Director & Development
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$111K (2023) → $108K (2024)
Justin Wee
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Seth Levy
Director
Chair & President → Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shaun Lewis
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stephanie Ruyle
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Carl Boloney
Director
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Moe Ari Brown
Director
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christina Fialho
Director
New on the 2024 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rob Leis
Director
New on the 2024 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tracy Gilchrist
Director
New on the 2024 filing
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Avrielle Gallagher
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2021
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brian Pines
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Eboni Munn (2022–2023) — Director, Storytelling & Strategic Mktg.
- Former: Julie Tarney (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $168K, to Brian Wenke (Chief Executive Officer). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 7190 W Sunset Blvd 504, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Phone: (323) 782-4934
Website: https://itgetsbetter.org
Frequently asked questions about IOLA Foundation
How much does IOLA Foundation give each year?
IOLA Foundation gave $230K across 23 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. In 2023 it gave $518K across 52 grants.
What is IOLA Foundation's typical grant size?
IOLA Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $9,990, across 23 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. Organizations receiving their first grant from IOLA Foundation that year got $10K on average.
Where does IOLA Foundation give grants?
IOLA Foundation's top state is California, with 13% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. The next largest states were Texas (9%) and Iowa (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were Los Angeles, CA (2 grants).
Does IOLA Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 23 grants with a stated purpose on IOLA Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 filing were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Improve the experience of LGBTQ+ students at school" (23 grants).
Who are IOLA Foundation's largest grantees?
IOLA Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include APAC A3 - Artist Advocates & Accolades A3-Visual ($10,000), Board of Education of Howard County Maryland DBA Howard County Public Scho ($10,000) and Boise Public Schools Education Foundation Inc ($10,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. Together they received 13% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is IOLA Foundation?
IOLA Foundation reported $524K in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. Its revenue that year was $2.1M.
What does IOLA Foundation fund?
The foundation states that It Gets Better’s mission is to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from IOLA Foundation?
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 23 grants totaling $229,764. Grant amounts ranged from $9,814 to $10,000, with a median of $10,000. The foundation’s filing says its 2024 school initiative awarded nearly $250,000 to 25 schools and community organizations; that program figure is distinct from the filing’s reported grant count and total.
What is IOLA Foundation's EIN?
IOLA Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 26-1906629. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching IOLA Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in IOLA Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Share Our Strength
Washington, DC
Share Our Strength funds child nutrition and hunger-reduction efforts, including school meals, summer meals, benefits access, and family economic mobility, primarily across the United States, with some work in India. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,200 to $739,871, with a median of $20,000. The available information does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$74.5M
Grants
302
Total Given
$14.4M
Commerce Bancshares Foundation
Kansas City, MO
The foundation supports a broad range of charitable organizations and community projects, with 2024 grants typically small (median $1,500) but ranging from $200 to $60,500. Most funding went to Missouri, followed by Kansas and Illinois, with smaller amounts elsewhere; it says applicants should contact the program director and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status, and does not restrict giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
—
Grants
645
Total Given
$2.0M
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports nonprofits in health, education, arts, disaster relief, reforestation, hunger relief, and community equity, with an emphasis on organizations actively supported by Enterprise employees and their families. Its reported grants range widely: 2024 giving averaged about $7,700 across 9,499 grants, while the foundation also offers awards of up to $40,000; it supports communities where Enterprise operates worldwide. Unsolicited requests are accepted at any time, but eligible applications must be submitted by an Enterprise team member or their spouse or domestic partner on behalf of a nonprofit they actively support.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
California Community Foundation
Los Angeles, CA
The California Community Foundation funds work in education, health, housing, immigration, and other community needs, primarily in Los Angeles County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, though amounts varied widely; it does not accept unsolicited funding requests.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
2,174
Total Given
$326.6M
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, gender equity, governance, democracy, and philanthropy, with work in the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, nationally, and internationally. Its 2024 grants had a median of $150,000, though awards ranged from $50 to more than $11 million; it often provides long-term general operating support. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, except through invited open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
Marin Community Foundation
Novato, CA
Marin Community Foundation funds equity-focused work, including affordable housing, homelessness, community resilience and power, and arts; its Buck Family Fund supports organizations serving Marin County, including those based elsewhere. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000 and ranged from $5,050 to $10 million; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,573
Total Given
$186.1M
Conrad N Hilton Foundation
Westlake Village, CA
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation funds nonprofits working to improve lives and alleviate poverty, with initiatives including early childhood development, homelessness, refugees, safe water, and support for foster and opportunity youth. Its work is global, and its 2024 grants had a median award of $76,000. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, except through its Good Neighbor Program for eligible local nonprofits and Title 1 schools.
Assets
$7.4B
Grants
1,339
Total Given
$287.7M
The San Diego Foundation
San Diego, CA
The San Diego Foundation supports nonprofits advancing racial and social justice, equity of opportunity, and resilient communities, with grants for projects, capacity building, or general support. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $25,000, with awards ranging from $5,100 to nearly $5 million; it generally funds organizations serving San Diego County residents, though some grants reach beyond the county. Applications are made through posted funding opportunities, and the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
1,158
Total Given
$94.3M
The California Endowment
Los Angeles, CA
The California Endowment funds health and racial equity, including health care access, community health, organizing, and policy change, primarily in California. Its 2024 grants had a median of $100,000, though amounts varied widely; it does not accept unsolicited requests and funds preselected organizations only.
Assets
$4.5B
Grants
1,125
Total Given
$215.9M
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals
Oakland, CA
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals supports community health, health-care access, and efforts addressing health inequities, including mental and behavioral health, housing, and employment. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, with most grant dollars going to California; Southern California grants focus on its 14 service areas. For Southern California regional grants, unsolicited letters of inquiry and proposals are not accepted; other application routes described include invited inquiries and open event sponsorship applications.
Assets
$87.4B
Grants
1,122
Total Given
$225.4M
More Funders in California
IOLA Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?