Tuesday, June 28, 2022

It Gets Better Project Announces Recipients of $500K Grant Benefitting LGBTQ+ Youth

Today, the It Gets Better Project, the world’s largest storytelling effort to uplift LGBTQ+ youth, announced the recipients of their school-based grant initiative, 50 States. 50 Grants. 5,000 Voices. Through this initiative, middle and/or high schools in every US state, including US territories, were given the opportunity to submit a proposal for a grant of up to $10K to fund new school projects with the aim of uplifting and supporting the wellbeing of local LGBTQ+ students. Grant opportunities were made possible by the generous support of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) through American Eagle and Aerie customer donations from all 50 states via their Real Rewards loyalty program, as well as in-store pin-pad promotion during Pride Month 2021.

The grant submission portal, which opened in November 2021 and closed in March 2022, allowed middle and high school students to apply in partnership with a faculty advisor, educator, or school administrator by preparing a proposal at www.itgetsbetter.org/50states50grants. Fifty grants are being awarded in 40 states plus Washington D.C., including many traditionally conservative areas. Submissions were received from a wide range of small rural towns, average-sized suburbs, and large urban cities.


Grants were prioritized to schools that demonstrate a diverse student population, have a recognized Title I status, have shown documented support for LGBTQ+ students, and have established a Gender and Sexuality Alliance or a similar club. The winning projects include a school in the conservative area of Mission, TX which will be using the funds to create a regional Queer Youth Conference; a school in Maine that is creating a Gender Sexuality Alliance to train educators and administrators on LGBTQ+ knowledge; a Colorado school remodeling single-gender restrooms into gender-neutral ones; a school in Minnesota which will offer an LGBTQ+ history and pop culture class; and a gender-inclusive closet providing affirming clothes for trans and gender non-conforming students in New Mexico. 


“The It Gets Better Project understands the importance of partnering with local leaders who have an intimate understanding of their community’s needs. The 50 States. 50 Grants. 5,000 Voices. grantmaking effort places funds directly into the hands of those who know how to allocate them effectively,” says Brian Wenke, Executive Director of the It Gets Better Project. “This initiative strives to put power back into the hands of young LGBTQ+ people, so they can begin to build the world in which they want to live -- starting with their local community. I am grateful for the support AEO brought forth to make this possible, and I cannot wait to see the work in action!”


“It is incredibly gratifying to know that the support of AEO and our AE and Aerie customers is giving students across the country the chance to create more inclusive communities within their schools,” said Jennifer Foyle, President - Executive Creative Director, AE and Aerie. “We are so proud of the partnership we have built with It Gets Better Project and the positive impact our work together has upon empowering and uplifting LGBTQ+ youth.”