It Gets Better: Changemakers grants Grant

It Gets Better: Changemakers grants Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Iola Foundation
Amount: US $500 - US $10,000
Last Updated: April 02, 2026

Summary

The It Gets Better Project is offering 50 grants of up to $10,000 each to public and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance inclusivity for LGBTQ+ youth. Schools can propose projects such as enhancing library resources, artistic installations, or establishing support groups. The initiative aims to empower LGBTQ+ students and foster a supportive environment, ensuring that every school can participate in uplifting their communities and promoting equality.

Overview

Are you ready to get inspired? ‍We’re proud to introduce the bold, youth-led projects selected for this year’s It Gets Better: Changemakers grants. Since 2022, we’ve awarded more than $1.6 million to LGBTQ+ youth-led initiatives in schools and communities across the U.S. and Canada. From Pride proms and queer closets to mental health zines and inclusive STEM events, these projects are turning bold ideas into real, lasting change. It Gets Better: Changemakers exists because we believe in the power of young people to lead. When LGBTQ+ youth are given access to resources and support, they don’t just imagine a better world; they build it. Ready to be inspired? Ready to act? Our goal is to fund projects in local communities and schools led by exceptional LGBTQ+ young people with a vision to make them safer, bolder, and prouder places to be. Projects should be submitted by LGBTQ+ youth who are working with their public middle or high school or a local nonprofit organization. With It Gets Better: Changemakers, we are providing the essential financial resources, training, and mentorship young leaders need to continue their path forward. Keys to a Great Project Activates both youth and partner organizations We want to see a strong LGBTQ+ youth leader coming to their school or partner organizations with their big idea – and their partners working with them to achieve their goals to create a more uplifting and empowering space for LGBTQ+ youth. Creates measurable impact Whatever your project, make sure there are ways to measure impact. Can you survey your community to get before and after metrics? Can you count how many people engage with your project over the course of the year? Unique to your community Every community faces different challenges, so make your project unique to your needs. What do you want to see changed? What projects can make your community more inclusive and empowered? Grants are available at the following financial levels. $5,000 Should impact at least 200 LGBTQ+ youthExamples include: school curriculum overhauls,staff trainings, gender-inclusive closets, GSA club support, etc. $10,000 Should impact at least 400 LGBTQ+ youthExamples include: large Pride festivals,leadership summits and conferences,proms/celebratory events, etc. In addition to the cash reward, we provide additional benefits to our grantees, including: Year-long engagement opportunities with It Gets Better staff and fellow granteesSupport from It Gets Better staff on their grant projectsDedicated educational materials to engage their LGBTQ+ studentsPlacements in local and national media outletsAttendance at conferences for educatorsSpeaking or writing opportunities with It Gets Better or partners

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. All applications require collaboration between an LGBTQ+ youth leader (13-18 years old) and an adult from a partner organization to complete their answers. Additional individuals can be invited to work on the application as collaborators.These grants are ONLY for LGBTQ+ youth partnering with registered nonprofits OR public and charter schools within the United States, Washington D.C., and its territories.Additionally, grants must benefit a collective or community of students and may not be used to benefit a sole individual.

Ineligibility

Grants may not fund research, political activities, scholarships, or individual needs.