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Iola Foundation

It Gets Better Project

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 261906629 ✦ Los angeles, CA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Iola Foundation?

The Iola Foundation, with its headquarters in Los Angeles, California, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth globally. Their primary initiative, the It Gets Better Project, utilizes various media platforms such as social media, books, theater, and more, to share inspiring stories and messages of hope. These tales, shared by individuals like Chella Man and Zaya Wade, aim to reassure LGBTQ+ youth that they are not alone and that better days are ahead. The organization captured the attention of over 467K visitors to ItsGetsBetter.org in 2022, and its stories were viewed more than 21 million times across various platforms. The Iola Foundation's mission is to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth worldwide, fostering a sense of unity and self-worth. With a team of 15 dedicated individuals, the foundation continues to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ youth, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued.


Official website here: www.itgetsbetter.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

100%

The Iola Foundation has received a Four-Star out of Four Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting a perfect overall score of 100%. This rating signifies exceptional performance in accountability and finance, with a notable 74% in this area. The organization boasts an independent board with 100% of its members independent, ensuring strong governance. Their financial practices are robust, highlighted by an 84.46% program expense ratio, indicating a significant focus on their mission-related activities.

In addition to financial excellence, the Iola Foundation excels in leadership and adaptability, scoring a perfect 100%. Their commitment to leadership development is evident, with full points awarded for investment in this area. Moreover, the organization actively engages with its constituents, receiving perfect scores for feedback collection and usage, which demonstrates their responsiveness to community needs and concerns.

While the foundation’s strengths significantly outweigh any limitations, the low scores in the culture and community category, at just 16%, suggest there may be areas for improvement in fostering an inclusive environment. Overall, the Iola Foundation stands out for its transparency, strong governance, and dedication to its mission.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is Iola Foundation legitimate?

Iola Foundation is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Iola Foundation submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $214,587
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $1,082,651

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.itgetsbetter.org

What is the mission statement of Iola Foundation?

The Iola Foundation's mission is centered around uplifting, empowering, and connecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth globally. Their vision envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ youth can live equally, acknowledging their inherent worth and power as individuals. The foundation's primary tool for achieving this mission is through storytelling, using various media platforms to share hopeful experiences and resources with LGBTQ+ youth. By promoting community, shared experiences, and life-affirming resources, the Iola Foundation aims to convey that things will improve for these youth. The organization attracts a worldwide following through its initiatives, which include inspiring stories, web series, and podcasts.


Official website here: www.itgetsbetter.org

Who is the CEO of Iola Foundation?

Paul Dien is the Chair & President of Iola Foundation. The CEO's salary of Iola Foundation is $190,299 and their total compensation is $200,446.


Official website here: www.itgetsbetter.org

What is the revenue of Iola Foundation?

Iola Foundation's revenue in 2022 was $3,113,730.


Official website here: www.itgetsbetter.org

Who are the executives of Iola Foundation and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Iola Foundation during 2022 was $86,483. There are 15 employees and 7 volunteers at Iola Foundation.


Here are 11 key members and their salaries (Iola Foundation's CEO's salary is $190,299 and their total compensation is $200,446):


Paul Dien (Chair & President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Avrielle Gallagher (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Brian Pines (Secretary & Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Seth Levy (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Shaun Lewis (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stephanie Ruyle (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Justin Wee (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Brian Wenke (Chief Executive Officer)
  • Compensation: $190,299
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $10,147
Ross Von Metzke (Dir., Comm. & Public Relations)
  • Compensation: $120,075
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $9,935
Eboni Munn (Dir., Brand Mktg., Cont. & Creat.)
  • Compensation: $117,850
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $9,703
Justin Tindall (Director, Programs & Operations)
  • Compensation: $117,850
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $8,952


Official website here: www.itgetsbetter.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Iola Foundation?

Iola Foundation's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.itgetsbetter.org

Learn more at the official website: www.itgetsbetter.org

Mission Statement of Iola Foundation

The Iola Foundation, recognized by its mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth globally, strives to create a world where all LGBTQ+ youth can live equally and embrace their worthiness and strength as individuals. The foundation's primary focus lies in storytelling, a powerful tool to inspire and connect LGBTQ+ youth through various media platforms, including social media, television specials, books, theater, museum exhibits, and more. Their mission has resonated with millions worldwide, drawing support from a vast array of followers and advocates.

The It Gets Better Project, an initiative of the Iola Foundation, serves as a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ youth navigating their sexual orientation or gender identity. The project's efforts have garnered significant attention, attracting prominent figures such as Chella Man, Dee Trannybear, April Kae, and Zaya Wade, among others, to share their stories and experiences. This collective wisdom and shared experiences foster a sense of community and affirmation, instilling hope in LGBTQ+ youth that things will improve. The project's impact has been far-reaching, with It Gets Better stories reaching over 21 million views across various social media platforms.

In summary, the Iola Foundation, through its It Gets Better Project, seeks to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ youth worldwide, connecting them through inspiring stories and shared experiences. By emphasizing the importance of community and affirmation, the project offers hope and the assurance that things will get better for LGBTQ+ youth navigating their identities.

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Impact




October, 2024

The Iola Foundation has made a significant impact on uplifting, empowering, and connecting LGBTQ+ youth worldwide through its support of the It Gets Better Project. This initiative has become a vital resource for LGBTQ+ individuals exploring their identities, offering a beacon of hope and community.

By leveraging the power of storytelling, the foundation has enabled countless voices to share their experiences, illustrating the message that life can improve. In 2022 alone, the It Gets Better Project attracted 467,000 visitors to its website, with stories viewed more than 21 million times across various social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. This widespread engagement demonstrates a robust reach, providing affirmation and resonance to youth seeking connection and understanding.

The project's innovative media initiatives, including web series like Queer Sex Ed and the launch of the Perfectly Queer vodcast on Twitch, showcase a commitment to educating and inspiring the community. Through these diverse channels, the foundation has fostered an inclusive environment that champions the dignity and worth of every individual, helping to ensure that LGBTQ+ youth feel valued and understood.

By capturing stories from a variety of influential figures, the It Gets Better Project amplifies diverse perspectives, reinforcing the idea that each individual's journey is significant. This multifaceted approach not only provides encouragement but also builds a global network of support, creating a sense of belonging for youth who may otherwise feel isolated. Overall, the foundation's efforts contribute to a vision where all LGBTQ+ youths are empowered to live authentically and with pride.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Iola Foundation. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$3,113,730 (2022)
Expenses
$4,558,085 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $7,682
  • Gross Receipts: $3,113,730

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $2,720,925
  • Total Liabilities: $273,377
  • Net Assets: $2,447,548

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Organization Details

Founding Year

2008

Principal Officer

Paul Dien

Main Address

7288 W Sunset Blvd 207, Los Angeles, CA, 90046

NTEE Category

Code: T50 - Philanthropy

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