It Gets Better Changemakers Program for LGBTQ+ Youth

The "It Gets Better: Changemakers" grant initiative, managed by the It Gets Better Project, supports youth-led, LGBTQ+ community initiatives across the United States and its territories. Over the past four years, the program has disbursed more than $1.6 million, funding 172 projects across 47 U.S. states and nine Canadian provinces and territories. The program's central mission is to empower LGBTQ+ youth, especially those aged 13–18, to become changemakers by providing financial resources, training, and mentorship to implement projects that enhance safety, pride, and inclusivity in their schools and local communities. The grant targets LGBTQ+ youth leaders who collaborate with either a public middle or high school or a registered nonprofit organization. Grants of either $5,000 or $10,000 are awarded, based on project scope and expected impact. Projects at the $5,000 level should serve at least 200 LGBTQ+ youth, while the $10,000 tier is meant for projects reaching 400 or more. Examples of eligible projects include gender-inclusive school closets, celebratory events like queer proms or Pride festivals, curriculum overhauls, and leadership summits. However, funds cannot be used for research, scholarships, political activities, or individual needs. A strong emphasis is placed on inclusivity and equity. The program actively seeks projects that support LGBTQ+ youth of color, trans and nonbinary individuals, and youth with disabilities. In addition to financial support, grantees receive year-long engagement opportunities with It Gets Better staff, access to media placements, dedicated educational resources, and opportunities to participate in conferences and speaking engagements. Grant funds must be used within one academic year, and reporting is required throughout the performance period. Eligibility criteria are clear: the project must be led by an LGBTQ+ youth aged 13–18 and supported by an adult from a partner organization. The partner must be either a registered nonprofit with the IRS or a public or charter secondary school listed by the National Center for Education Statistics. Only one application per organization is allowed, and applicants must demonstrate a unique and actionable plan to address the needs of LGBTQ+ youth in their community. All applications must include both a youth and an adult as signatories. The application process opens on March 2, 2026, and closes on May 3, 2026. Between March and April, information sessions will be held for interested applicants. Grants are reviewed in summer 2026, with disbursements and grantee notifications occurring after July 1, 2026. A structured reporting timeline follows: the first report is due in November 2026, followed by reports in February, May, and August of 2027. There are no pre-application requirements such as LOIs or concept papers. Interested applicants must complete a thorough application consisting of multiple narrative sections, a PDF project narrative (2-page max), an estimated budget document, and a short video presentation by the youth leader. The video allows youth to showcase the importance of their project and community, adding a personal dimension to their submission. All required elements are explicitly detailed, with evaluation weighted as follows: 20% for community context, 50% for the project plan, and 30% for overall quality including the video submission.

Grants are awarded based on project plan strength (50%), community context (20%), and application completeness including the video (30%). Consider partnering with a nonprofit if your school admin is not supportive.