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Make your school more open and inclusive.
The It Gets Better Project is funding project grants in all 10 provinces and 3 territories to support projects uplifting and empowering 2SLGBTQ+ youth
If you had up to US$10,000 to make your school better for 2SLGBTQ+ students, what would you do?
We’re looking to fund projects that uplift, empower, and connect 2SLGBTQ+ youth in schools in all 13 provinces and territories . Do you want to install a mural highlighting all identities in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, boost your library’s range of literature from 2SLGBTQ+ authors, or help your GSA fund your first-ever Pride Week? We want to help you do it!
Whether your school is already an inclusive safe haven or you need community support just to start your GSA–whatever your path, we want to hear how you think your school could benefit from up to US$10,000.
Grants are brought to you by the US-based It Gets Better Project, with financial support from American Eagle and Aerie, and operational support by It Gets Better Canada, a registered Canadian charity.
Build your community. Better your campus. Strengthen your GSA.
No matter how you want to create change, we want to hear about your project.
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?
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?
Schools are built for collaboration, and we want to see students and teachers work together to create a more uplifting, empowering space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Show us how your project brings together these groups to make your campus a better place for all.
Download the full list of eligibility criteria, application questions, and a sample budget.
English PDF / French PDF
Download the Grant Overview + Guidelines.
English PDF / French PDF
Check out these previously-recorded Zoom sessions for more helpful Q & A!
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
Here is our current grant application timeline:
Jan 9, 2023: Application Portal Opens
Mar 15, 2023: Application Portal Closes
Mar - May 2023: Application Review
May - June 2023: Notify Grantees of Final Decisions
July - August 2023: Paperwork + Distribution of Funds
We are funding projects presented by 2SLGBTQ+ 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.
We are so sorry you are having difficulty with the application process. Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.
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.
If your school doesn't have a GSA or 2SLGBTQ+ 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 2SLGBTQ+ student support/curriculum.
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.
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.
We understand that receiving funds might be very different depending on where you are located. 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, 2023.
Mistakes happen! Typos, missing files, wrong attachments, we get it. Open-for-editing requests will be available before the submission deadline of March 15. 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.
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.
Absolutely! We are excited at the opportunity of having multiple schools partner together to create a greater network of support for 2SLGBTQ+ 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 US$10,000 per application, meaning that schools applying in partnerships or districts could end up receiving fewer dollars per school.
We are also working on the 50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices. Campaign in the United states to support LGBTQ+ students!
If your question isn't answered above in the FAQ you can send an email to youthgrants@itgetsbetter.org.
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Start your application today! Rally your team of students and staff together to get your application in order. Let us know if you have any questions and good luck!
START YOUR SUBMISSIONGrants are brought to you by the US-based
It Gets Better Project, with financial support from American Eagle and Aerie, and operational support by It Gets Better Canada, a registered Canadian charity.