examples of great projects

school-wide projects

Build an LGBTQ+ section of your school library or create a mental health resource center for LGBTQ+ students.
Paint a mural or other art installation in your school highlighting local LGBTQ+ history.
Provide training about pronoun usage to educators, administrators, and other students.

gender-sexuality alliance (GSA) projects

Launch your school's first GSA.
Install a school garden, gender-affirming closet, or safe space that supports the GSA.
Organize a district-wide conference for local GSA leaders to meet and learn from each other.

community projects

Organize a Pride festival for the community, including local LGBTQ+ organizations.
Help establish a student-focused program with a local LGBTQ+ center or nonprofit.
Establish a partnership between the LGBTQ+ students at your school with LGBTQ+ seniors.

keys to a great project

Unique to your school

Every school faces different challenges, so make your project unique to your needs. What do you want to see changed? What projects can make your school more inclusive?

Creates measurable impact

Whatever your project, make sure there are ways to measure impact. Can you survey your student body to get before/after metrics? Can you count how many times a particular book is checked out from the library in a given school year?

Activates both the students and staff

Schools are built for collaboration, and we want to see students and teachers work together to create a more uplifting, empowering space for LGBTQ+ youth. Show us how your project brings together these groups to make your campus a better place for all.

Some helpful resources to get you started...

Here are some downloads packed with resources, answers, and examples to make your application process as smooth as possible!

2024 Overview & Guidelines »2024 Eligibility, Application Questions & Example Budget »

looking for more inspiration?

Watch our informational Zoom sessions!

Check out these previously-recorded Zoom sessions for more helpful Q & A!

frequently asked questions

How is my application graded?

Your application will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

School Environment: 15%
Project Vision: 50%
Project Budget: 15%
Overall Review: 20%
Priority Criteria: +10% BONUS

What is the application process timeline?

Here is our current grant application timeline:

Feb 1, 2024: Application Portal Opens
April 1, 2024: Application Portal Closes
April - May 2024: Application Review
May - June 2024: Notify Grantees of Final Decisions
July - August 2024: Paperwork + Distribution of Funds

How can the grant funds be spent?

We are funding projects presented by LGBTQ+ youth and educators like you who are interested and determined to make a positive impact on your school. You can see some great examples of how your funds can be spent in the section above.

Grants do NOT fund research, political activities, scholarships, or individual needs. Grants can NOT benefit only one student.

I’m having technical difficulties with the application process. Who can help?

We are so sorry you are having difficulty with the application process. Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.

Who can submit an application?

This grant opportunity is limited to only public or charter secondary (middle or high) schools. Every application must be submitted by a faculty member (teacher, administrator, advisor, etc) at the school AND a student signatory. In our grant application platform, there is an ability to collaborate with different people. If you are having technical questions, please contact Submittable Customer Support.

What if my school doesn’t have a GSA or LGBTQ+ related club/organization?

If your school doesn't have a GSA or LGBTQ+ related club/organization, do not hesitate to apply. During your application, we ask you to provide us with some information on your school’s history with LGBTQ+ student support/curriculum.

Will there be an opportunity for us to connect with someone to show us how to go through the grant application process and answer any questions in real-time?

How long will we have to spend our grant funds?

All project plans for this grant must be executable within one school year. Per the grant eligibility requirements, any funds given from this grant must be used by the end of the grant cycle. We encourage you to create a project timeline for yourself in order to ensure your project plan is executed by the one year mark.

How will I receive the funds?

We understand that receiving funds is very different state to state, even school to school. Please be prepared to share what method is currently used and is best for your school in your application. We will work with grant recipients to make sure funds are used exclusively for the proposed project. The full grant amount will be distributed by September 1, 2024.

I just noticed a mistake in my application! Can I fix it?

Mistakes happen! Typos, missing files, wrong attachments, we get it. Open-for-editing requests will be available before the submission deadline of April 1. If we notice a mistake with your application during the review process, we reserve the right to only reach out to certain applicants. For more information, visit the Submittable Resource Center.

Do we have to finish the application in one sitting, or will we be able to save it and come back to it at a later time?

Once you create your free account with Submittable, our application platform, you can save the draft of your application at any point. Please note that we will not be able to review any applications until they are successfully submitted.

View the full list of application questions above.

Can I apply for my district/multiple schools, or partner on applications with other schools?

Absolutely! We are excited at the opportunity of having multiple schools partner together to create a greater network of support for LGBTQ+ students in your area. In your application, please be very clear to describe exactly what your project is, all involved parties and schools, and have a designated lead school and contact in the designated fields. Please note that grants will be awarded up to $10,000 per application, meaning that schools applying in partnerships or districts could end up receiving fewer dollars per school.

I am a current grantee for 50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices. Can I apply for another grant this year?

Yes, you can! While we are looking to give grants to new schools across the country, we are also able to support current grantees who have shown themselves to be exceptional during their grant year.

Will there be an opportunity for us to connect with someone to show us how to go through the grant application process and answer any questions in real-time?

Yes! We will be hosting community webinars about the grant application and any other questions, comments or concerns that may come up for you all throughout the application process. Please sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications. The webinar timeline is as follows:
‍
^{- Overview + Application - Tues, February 20 - 4pm PST/5pm MT/7pm EST (}^{View recording here}^{)
- Funding & Budgets - Wed, March 13 - 4pm PST/5pm MT/7pm EST (}^{RSVP HERE}^{)
- Application Review, Notification, & Distribution - Thurs, March 28- 4pm PST/5pm MT/7pm EST (}^{RSVP HERE}⁾

If your question isn't answered above in the FAQ or in the previous Zoom sessions, you can email 50grants@itgetsbetter.org

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This campaign is brought to you by
It Gets Better, supported by American Eagle, the MAC VIVA GLAM Fund, and Tumblr.

Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth Through School-Based Projects in All 50 States

Applications now open until April 1, 2024!