Applications Open March 4 – Grants Up to $10,000 Available for LGBTQ+ Youth-Led Initiatives

LOS ANGELES, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — It Gets Better, the world’s largest storytelling effort to empower LGBTQ+ youth, today announced the launch of It Gets Better: Changemakers, an evolution of its flagship grant program. Designed to fund LGBTQ+ youth-led initiatives in schools, youth groups, and community spaces across the country, applications open March 4. Grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 are available for projects that uplift, empower, and support the well-being of LGBTQ+ young people.

Since 2022, It Gets Better has awarded over $1.3 million in funding to 142 youth-led projects, supporting initiatives such as gender-affirming clothing closets, regional LGBTQ+ youth conferences, student wellness programs, and inclusive arts projects. Previously known as 50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices., the program initially focused on school-based projects. With the launch of It Gets Better: Changemakers, the initiative now expands beyond schools, ensuring young leaders have the funding and mentorship to create change in the spaces where they see the greatest need.

Empowering LGBTQ+ Young People to Lead

As a leading LGBTQ+ youth empowerment organization, It Gets Better provides life-affirming resources, mentorship, and community-building opportunities as a means to avert crisis for queer youth who experience higher rates of bullying, peer and family rejection, and as a result, higher rates of mental health issues.

LGBTQ+ youth have never waited for permission to shape their own futures—they are already leading. Across the country, young people are creating peer-led support groups, advocating for inclusive policies, and developing affirming spaces. It Gets Better: Changemakers ensures they have not just funding, but year-long mentorship to help bring their ideas to life. Unlike traditional grants, It Gets Better partners directly with grantees throughout the year, providing hands-on support to help them successfully implement their projects. This model helped secure a 100% completion rate from all 2023-2024 grantees—proof that when young people have both resources and guidance, they create lasting impact in their communities.

“LGBTQ+ youth are facing relentless political attacks and increasing barriers to support,” said Brian Wenke, Executive Director of It Gets Better. “It Gets Better: Changemakers is built on the fundamental belief that when young people have the resources and autonomy to shape their own futures, they become more confident, resilient, and ultimately better equipped to navigate the world around them. This initiative isn’t just about funding projects—it’s about giving LGBTQ+ youth the tools they need to create a world in which they can thrive.”

This marks the second year of It Gets Better’s partnership with Tumblr, which has been instrumental in connecting grant opportunities to LGBTQ+ youth in underrepresented communities, including in Florida and Idaho, where previous grantees had not been identified. Since the partnership began in 2024, more than 40,000 users have followed It Gets Better on the platform, helping drive engagement that is 5.6x higher than typical content performance.

“Tumblr is incredibly proud to support It Gets Better in expanding the reach of its Changemakers program,” said Zandy Ring, COO of Tumblr. “It’s an honor that Tumblr has a part in helping to identify the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders, and bring this opportunity to communities that need it most.”

Since its inception, It Gets Better: Changemakers has been possible with the support of American Eagle, Aerie, and their customers. Additional support has been provided by MAC Viva Glam, Humble Bundle, and Tumblr. This year, for the first time, individual donors can directly fund the next wave of LGBTQ+ youth-led projects, supporting safe spaces, LGBTQ+ education, and young leaders nationwide.

To apply for a grant or pledge support for It Gets Better: Changemakers, visit itgetsbetter.org/changemakers.

About It Gets Better

It Gets Better is a global nonprofit dedicated to uplifting, empowering, and connecting LGBTQ+ youth. What began as a viral message of hope has become the world’s largest storytelling initiative for queer young people, a leader in LGBTQ+ education, and a catalyst for change. Through dynamic media campaigns, life-affirming educational resources, and a global network of community partnerships, It Gets Better reaches LGBTQ+ youth before they’re in crisis, helping them embrace their identity, build community, and step into their power.

With an Emmy Award, a New York Times bestselling book, and the number-one ranking among LGBTQ+ youth nonprofits on TikTok, Tumblr, Twitch, and YouTube, It Gets Better has inspired millions. From classrooms to digital platforms, grassroots efforts to international collaborations, the organization ensures LGBTQ+ young people can envision a future filled with limitless possibility.

In a time of increasing challenges, It Gets Better remains steadfast in its mission—because every LGBTQ+ young person deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated. Visit www.itgetsbetter.org for more information, and join the conversation on all social platforms @itgetsbetter.

Media Contact

Ross von Metzke

Senior Director, Marketing and Communications

It Gets Better

ross.vonmetzke@itgetsbetter.org

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