Hey John,
In early 2020, when office routines felt like tradition, I vividly remember our team gathered around the conference table for a group brainstorm when one idea shone brightly and boldly: What if we could transform the lives of LGBTQ+ students across the country by funding projects to make their communities more inclusive for them and their peers?
50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices was born, and three years later, we have distributed nearly $1.5 million to fund transformative projects in schools across 47 states. Through these projects, we're elevating future LGBTQ+ leaders by providing them with the means to create communities where they can thrive. Today, we are honored to announce our Season Three grantee class, which includes schools in Florida and Idaho for the first time.
Since 2021, I’ve had the profound privilege of working with 142 grant projects that are shaping a better future for LGBTQ+ youth. These students are creating spaces where they and their peers can thrive, through initiatives like staging theater pieces to challenge unjust laws, filling libraries with LGBTQ+ inclusive books, and organizing queer proms to celebrate joy and resilience.
Now here's where you come in. We want to invite you to become a part of creating lasting change right alongside us. Starting today, individual donors like you will be able to direct your support to help fund school-based projects aligning with four primary focus areas: Community Spaces, Education, Events, and Art & Books.
Your support means everything to queer middle + high schoolers. And when we announce our next round grant recipients this time next year, you’ll be credited with helping us fund the project.
This program is changing lives. I’ve heard from educators in Utah who’ve seen students transfer to their schools because of the profound impact of these projects. I’ve seen small GSAs from rural areas connect with broader communities, realizing their shared strength and their power to instigate change. One grantee from season two shared, “It meant hope that, despite cruel legislative decisions, there can be a brighter future for LGBTQ+ students if they and their allies do not stop fighting.”
You can be that hope. Join us on this adventure. Help us elevate the leaders of tomorrow.
With heartfelt thanks,
Ariella Assouline
Manager, Programs & Operations
It Gets Better
The It Gets Better Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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