Iowa Safe Schools

What Iowa Safe Schools does

Iowa Safe Schools is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2002 and headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, that delivers a portfolio of direct services, educator training, advocacy, and community programming for LGBTQ youth across all 99 Iowa counties. The organization serves four primary customer segments: LGBTQ and allied K-12 students (safe spaces, bullying advocacy, crisis hotline referrals, free books, GSA Network membership), K-12 educators and administrators (Safe Schools Academy courses, CSCA certification, downloadable legislative guides, speaker presentations), families and caregivers (parent guides, affirming library, family communication templates), and community groups/employers (customized workshops, policy consultations). Its core programmatic assets include the statewide GSA Network (launched fall 2016) connecting hundreds of student-led Gay-Straight Alliances, the Safe Schools Academy LMS offering 55+ asynchronous professional development courses accredited for graduate credit through Upper Iowa University and BOEE license renewal credit, the CSCA Program (a six-course, nine-credit school culture certification), and the Affirming Resource Library providing free LGBTQ-affirming books to students and families.

The organization's revenue model is primarily philanthropic, drawing on individual donations via the qgiv.com online portal, corporate sponsorships, Spirit Awards gala fundraising, foundation grants, and merchandise sales through Square and Bonfire e-commerce platforms where 100% of proceeds support programming. Monetized commercial activity is limited to Safe Schools Academy course enrollment fees (pay-as-you-go for credit or audit options) and apparel/merchandise sales; virtually all direct services, advocacy, events, and student resources are provided free of charge. Distribution is multi-channel: in-person school visits across the state with travel reimbursement from Des Moines, self-serve digital learning through the Academy LMS, mail-order book fulfillment, statewide events (Governor's Conference on LGBTQ Youth — described as the nation's largest LGBTQ youth conference — GSACon, Pride Tailgate, Student Day at the Capitol, Spirit Awards, Sweet Equality), and grassroots/community-led engagement supported by a six-person staff.

Strategic positioning is anchored by 20+ years of continuous operation, recognition as the largest LGBTQ youth-serving organization in the Midwest, and policy influence credited with helping Iowa become the 10th state to pass comprehensive safe schools legislation in 2007. The organization operates an annual Student Experience Survey that produces data on LGBTQ student safety and well-being, used both to inform advocacy and to demonstrate demand for services in a legislative environment where 83%+ of surveyed students reported negative impacts from recent legislation in the 2024-25 cycle.

Name

Iowa Safe Schools

Legal name

Iowa Safe Schools

Website

https://iowasafeschools.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Iowa Safe Schools is a Des Moines-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing direct services, educator training, and advocacy to support LGBTQ youth across all 99 Iowa counties. Its portfolio includes the statewide GSA Network, Safe Schools Academy LMS, CSCA certification, the Governor's Conference, and crisis support referrals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

LGBTQ Youth Advocacy Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Child and Youth Services (624110)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH)

Keywords

• LGBTQ youth services
• Professional development courses
• Bullying prevention support
• School climate advocacy
• Nonprofit youth programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Des Moines

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Primary revenue source through individual donations (website donation portal at secure.qgiv.com), corporate sponsorships, and community fundraising events (Spirit Awards gala reception, annual donor appeals). The organization actively campaigns for financial support.
2. Merchandise Sales: Sale of pride merchandise through Safe Schools Store (safe space stickers, pride flags, identity buttons, apparel). Stated that 100% of proceeds go directly to programming supporting LGBTQ youth.
3. Training and Professional Development: Safe Schools Academy offers courses for educators with options for license renewal credit and graduate credit. Revenue generated through course enrollment fees (both credit and audit options).
4. Grants and Foundation Support: Collaborates with foundations and receives grant funding to support programming for LGBTQ youth, as evidenced by the Big Grove for Good Foundation board connection.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Iowa Safe Schools is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing support, resources, and training to promote safe, affirming environments for LGBTQ youth across Iowa. It operates the statewide GSA Network, an online professional development platform (Safe Schools Academy with 55+ BOEE-certified asynchronous courses for educators), the CSCA certification program, free bullying advocacy and crisis-line coordination, the Affirming Resource Library, and signature annual events including the Governor's Conference on LGBTQ Youth. Its mission is delivered through education, outreach, advocacy, and direct services.

Product overview

Iowa Safe Schools operates as a nonprofit advocacy organization offering a portfolio of programs and services for LGBTQ youth, educators, and families rather than a traditional software product. The core programs include: the GSA Network (statewide network for Gay-Straight Alliances with resources and support), Safe Schools Academy (55+ asynchronous online professional development courses for educators), and the CSCA Program (six-course certification for school climate improvement). Annual events include the Governor's Conference on LGBTQ Youth (the nation's largest LGBTQ youth conference), GSACon, Pride Tailgate, Student Day at the Capitol, Spirit Awards gala, and Sweet Equality legislative mixer. Direct services encompass 24/7 crisis hotlines, bullying advocacy, free books through the Affirming Resource Library, speaker/presentation services, and the Student Experience Survey for research. Educator resources include downloadable guides on LGBTQ support, legislative matters, and curriculum. The organization serves thousands of students and over 3,000 educators annually across all 99 Iowa counties.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• GSA Network A statewide network that empowers students to create safe spaces through Gay-Straight Alliances (Gender-Sexuality Alliances) in Iowa schools, providing resources, support, direct services, and connections between GSAs across the state.
• Safe Schools Academy Professional development platform offering over 55 asynchronous online courses (1-3 credit hours each) for K-12 educators, categorized into Safety, Support and Wellness; Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging; and Civic and Social Engagement. Provides BOEE-certified license renewal credit and graduate credit through Upper Iowa University.
• CSCA Program (Certified School Culture Advocate) A six-course, nine-credit certification program empowering educators to become change-makers in their schools; the first program of its kind in Iowa, designed to help educators explore school climate analysis and develop strategies to improve school climate and culture. Certification is valid for three years and includes a completion package with certificate and lapel pin.
• Governor's Conference on LGBTQ Youth The largest LGBTQ youth conference in the nation, featuring celebrity guest speakers, workshops, networking opportunities, and an adult reception to raise scholarship funds. Free for students with no one turned away for inability to pay.
• GSACon Fall kickoff event for GSAs in Iowa held at the beginning of every school year; a free conference featuring workshops on community organizing, pride, and GSA foundation building, plus networking opportunities with other GSAs statewide.
• Pride Tailgate Age-appropriate, family-friendly, alcohol-free tailgate event held annually in Des Moines celebrating Pride; a safe space for LGBTQ youth featuring food, fun, and activities, available free to attendees through corporate and individual partnerships.
• Student Day at the Capitol Annual event where students meet Iowa legislators to advocate for LGBTQ youth; includes training on lobbying, messaging, and current issues. Free to all students.
• Spirit Awards Annual gala celebrating community accomplishments to create a safer Iowa for LGBTQ youth. Features awards including GSA of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Outstanding Media Coverage, Educator of the Year, Ally of the Year, and Partner in Progress.
• Sweet Equality Annual winter dessert mixer celebrating community accomplishments and rallying support for pending legislation affecting LGBTQ youth, including banning conversion therapy and protecting trans Iowans from hate crimes.
• 24/7 Crisis Hotlines Round-the-clock crisis assistance connecting LGBTQ youth to support services including the Iowa Victim Service Call Center, The Trevor Project, Trans Lifeline, and the National Runaway Safeline.
• Affirming Resource Library Free book program providing students and parents across Iowa with literature featuring LGBTQ characters, themes, or topics. Books are categorized by age level (elementary, middle school, high school, and parents) and connected to Iowa Safe Schools' Goodreads Bookshelves.
• Student Experience Survey Annual survey documenting what school is like for LGBTQ+ and allied students across Iowa. Provides data on student safety, well-being, and the impact of legislation on educational experiences to inform educators, parents, lawmakers, and community leaders.
• Bullying Advocacy Services Direct services and support to students who have been bullied anywhere in Iowa. Services include information and referral, individual counseling, safety planning, personal advocacy, co-advocacy with other agencies, and assistance with legal options. Available statewide at no cost.
• Speaker & Presentation Services Team members travel statewide to provide presentations on LGBTQ topics, current laws and policies, supporting LGBTQ students, and building inclusive learning environments. Includes a complimentary 1-hour planning session; topics include LGBTQ 101, Trans & Non-Binary Identities, and bullying response.
• Educator Resources Library Free downloadable resources for educators including the Full LGBTQ-Youth Support Guide, Legislative Guides for names/pronouns, curriculum censorship, bathroom access, GSAs, and facilitation guides for talking to parents of LGBTQ youth.
• Safe Schools Store Online store selling safe space stickers, pride flags, identity buttons, and apparel. 100% of proceeds support LGBTQ youth programming across Iowa. Store operated through Square; apparel available through Bonfire.

Quantifiable outcome

• Students in schools with GSAs are more than 50% more likely to feel safe in school and have less harassment than students in schools with no GSA (CDC 2020)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• The Trevor ProjectOthersCrisis hotline partnership providing 24/7 support to LGBTQ youth in crisis. Iowa Safe Schools references The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386) alongside other crisis resources on their hotlines page.
• Trans LifelineOthersNational crisis and peer-support hotline staffed by trans people, for trans people. Iowa Safe Schools lists Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860) as a 24/7 resource for LGBTQ youth on their hotlines page.
• National Runaway SafelineOthersCrisis hotline partnership for runaway and homeless youth. Iowa Safe Schools includes this resource (1-800-RUNAWAY) on their 24/7 hotlines page.
• Iowa Victim Service Call CenterOthers24/7 confidential and free crisis assistance for Iowa LGBTQ youth. Contact: 1-800-770-1650 or text 'iowahelp' to 20121. Iowa Safe Schools serves as a resource hub linking youth to this state service.
• Upper Iowa UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGraduate credit accreditation partner for Safe Schools Academy. Educators can earn graduate credit through Safe Schools Academy courses, which are accredited by Upper Iowa University.
• Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLicensure partnership for educator license renewal credit. Safe Schools Academy is BOEE-certified, allowing Iowa educators to renew their teaching licenses through the program.
• Big Grove for Good FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBoard membership connection. Damian J. Thompson, Director of External Affairs at Iowa Safe Schools, serves on the Big Grove for Good Foundation board, creating potential for foundation partnership and community connections.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• GLAAD: GLAAD is a national LGBTQ media advocacy organization that drives cultural change through representation and earned media - comparable to Iowa Safe Schools' use of earned media and spokesperson-driven advocacy, though GLAAD operates at a national media scale.
• Human Rights Campaign (HRC): HRC is the largest U.S. LGBTQ civil rights advocacy organization, operating at federal and state levels on legislation and policy - overlapping with Iowa Safe Schools' legislative advocacy and school-board engagement work but at much broader scale and scope.

Direct peers

• PFLAG National: PFLAG is a national nonprofit supporting LGBTQ people, families, and allies through local chapters, advocacy, and education - closely comparable to Iowa Safe Schools' family engagement, educator outreach, and advocacy functions.
• Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline operates a peer-support crisis hotline run by trans people - listed as a direct crisis partner by Iowa Safe Schools, comparable as a grassroots LGBTQ support nonprofit though operating at national scale and focused specifically on trans community support.
• Campus Pride: Campus Pride focuses on LGBTQ-friendly campuses, policies, and resources for higher education students - comparable mission of building safe, affirming educational environments, though serving post-secondary rather than K-12 students.
• GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network): GLSEN is a national education-focused nonprofit working to create safe K-12 schools for LGBTQ students, operating GSA programs, educator training, and research - directly comparable to Iowa Safe Schools' core mission and program portfolio, but at national scale.
• COLAGE: COLAGE supports people with LGBTQ parents and families through community programming and resources - directly comparable to Iowa Safe Schools' family and caregiver segment serving parents of LGBTQ youth.
• The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and mental health support for LGBTQ youth, including the 24/7 hotline that Iowa Safe Schools explicitly references as a partner. Comparable as a national LGBTQ youth support nonprofit, though focused on crisis intervention rather than school-based programming.

Emerging players

• Point Foundation: Point Foundation is an LGBTQ scholarship fund supporting students pursuing higher education - comparable to Iowa Safe Schools' youth-development and education-continuation outcomes, though narrowly focused on financial aid rather than wraparound support.
• National Center for Transgender Equality: The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates for policy change and provides resources on trans rights - comparable to Iowa Safe Schools' advocacy and resource library functions, but operating at national policy scale rather than state-level direct service.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/iowasafeschools

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Iowa Safe Schools