Iola Foundation
It Gets Better Project (legal name IOLA Foundation d/b/a It Gets Better) is a nonprofit that uplifts, empowers, and connects LGBTQ+ youth globally through storytelling, education, and grantmaking.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A school, GSA, youth-serving nonprofit, or local LGBTQ+ organization proposing projects to improve the experience of LGBTQ+ students, typically for project-sized grants around $10,000.
Good Fit
- • Directly serves LGBTQ+ students or school-based GSAs.
- • Seeks support for a discrete program or school-based initiative sized around $10K.
- • Can demonstrate measurable improvements to student experience or school climate.
- • Is able to apply via the foundation’s program intake or reach program staff via listed contact routes.
Geography
The latest year’s grants reached recipients in 19 states, and prior years show distribution across many more states, so the observed footprint is national rather than local.
Recipient Variety
The funder supported 23 distinct recipients in 2024 (and roughly 49–52 distinct recipients in earlier years), with a substantial number of different schools and local organizations rather than a tiny recurring circle.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of new entrants exists (14 new recipients in 2024 and 45 new recipients in 2023) and the funder’s public website and program intake suggest unfamiliar organizations have been able to join the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
