Deadline: 09-Dec-2025
The National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS (NERCHA) is inviting applications from fully registered non-profit organisations in Eswatini for catalytic HIV funding. The programme supports innovative, low-cost HIV prevention projects targeting key and priority populations, with grants up to E800,000 and project durations of 8–12 months between January and December 2026. Applications are due by 9 December 2025, with an information session scheduled for 12 December 2025.
About the Funding Opportunity
NERCHA’s catalytic HIV funding aims to accelerate HIV prevention efforts where traditional funding may be limited or paused. The funding focuses on optimizing HIV testing, linkage to care, precision prevention, and eliminating structural barriers that hinder access to services. It aligns with the National Strategic Framework 2024–2028 and emphasizes social enablers to strengthen the HIV care continuum.
Key objectives include:
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Reducing new HIV infections in high-risk populations
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Supporting innovative and scalable HIV prevention tools
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Addressing structural and societal barriers, including gender inequities and human rights challenges
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Enhancing linkages between testing and prevention services
The funding prioritizes interventions in community testing, HIV self-testing, index and social network testing, risk reduction communication, condom and lubricant distribution, ARV-based prevention, voluntary medical male circumcision, elimination of mother-to-child transmission, economic strengthening initiatives, and strategies to reduce sexual and gender-based violence.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must be:
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Fully registered non-profit organisations operating in Eswatini
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Organisations with a proven track record of managing donor-funded programs
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Organisations demonstrating strong governance and compliance systems
Target populations include:
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Key populations at risk of HIV
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Adolescent girls and young women, adolescent boys and young men
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Older men and people living with HIV
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Mobile populations such as factory workers, cane cutters, transport operators, and construction workers
Funding and Project Details
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Grant Amount: Up to E800,000 per organisation, smaller amounts allowed depending on project scale
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Project Duration: 8–12 months between January and December 2026
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Funding Structure: Quarterly tranches, with 40% initial disbursement after grant plan submission; subsequent disbursements require 90% clearance of previous funds
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Eligible Costs: Direct project implementation costs; personnel and administrative expenses capped at 30% of total budget
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Excluded Costs: Contributions in kind, debts, interest payments, land purchases, reclaimable taxes, and costs financed by other NERCHA-supported projects
How to Apply
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Prepare Proposal: Clearly justify target beneficiaries in line with the National Strategic Framework 2024–2028 and outline project objectives, activities, and expected outcomes
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Complete Application Form: Use official NERCHA grant form and templates
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Attach Mandatory Documents: Reference letters, governance policies, financial statements, proof of registration, bank documents
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Submit Before Deadline: Applications must be submitted electronically by 5 January 2026 at or before 16:00 Eswatini time; handwritten submissions are not accepted
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Attend Information Session: Optional session for applicants on 12 December 2025 to clarify application requirements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting incomplete applications or missing mandatory attachments
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Exceeding personnel and administrative expense cap of 30%
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Including ineligible expenses such as debts or contributions in kind
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Failing to justify selection of target beneficiaries
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Missing the submission deadline or submitting handwritten applications
Evaluation Process
Applications undergo a three-stage evaluation:
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Compliance Check: Ensures all documentation and eligibility criteria are met
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Technical Capacity Assessment: Evaluates organisational capability, project design, and alignment with strategic priorities
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Pre-Award Verification: For provisionally selected organisations, confirming financial and operational readiness
Only substantially responsive applications proceed to technical evaluation, and NERCHA reserves the right not to award all available funds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for funding?
Fully registered non-profit organisations in Eswatini with experience managing donor-funded programs.
2. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to E800,000 per organisation, with flexibility for smaller-scale projects.
3. What populations should projects target?
Key populations, adolescents, older men, people living with HIV, and mobile populations such as factory and construction workers.
4. Can in-kind contributions or debts be funded?
No, in-kind contributions, debts, interest payments, land purchases, reclaimable taxes, and overlapping NERCHA project costs are excluded.
5. When are applications due?
Applications are due 9 December 2025, with submissions accepted electronically by 5 January 2026 at 16:00 Eswatini time.
6. How are funds disbursed?
Funds are released quarterly, beginning with a 40% initial disbursement after submission of a grant implementation plan, with subsequent disbursements requiring 90% clearance of previous funds.
7. Is there support for applicants?
Yes, an information session for interested applicants will be held on 12 December 2025.
Why This Funding Matters
NERCHA’s catalytic HIV funding fast-tracks HIV prevention by targeting populations most affected by new infections. By supporting innovative, low-cost projects and addressing structural barriers, the programme strengthens Eswatini’s national HIV response, improves access to care, and promotes equitable health outcomes.
Conclusion
This funding opportunity enables non-profit organisations in Eswatini to implement impactful HIV prevention initiatives aligned with national priorities. By leveraging NERCHA’s catalytic support, organisations can accelerate HIV prevention, reduce new infections, and address structural and social barriers, making a tangible difference in the fight against HIV.
For more information, visit NERCHA.