Applications Open: Community Grants for HIV Support and Inclusion

Positive Action provides funding for community-led organisations working to reduce HIV-related stigma, support people living with HIV, and strengthen local responses to AIDS. The programme supports innovative pilot projects and the expansion of proven interventions through two funding streams: Innovator Funding and Momentum Funding.

The initiative prioritises community ownership, inclusion, and sustainable solutions that improve health outcomes and protect the rights of populations affected by HIV.

What Is the Positive Action Community Strategic Initiatives Programme?

The Positive Action Community Strategic Initiatives programme supports organisations developing community-based responses to HIV and AIDS.

The programme focuses on locally driven solutions that address:

HIV prevention
Support for people living with HIV
Stigma reduction
Discrimination prevention
Community health and rights

The funding recognises that communities most affected by HIV are essential partners in creating effective and sustainable change.

Main Objectives of the Programme

The programme aims to:

Support the elimination of AIDS
Improve quality of life for people living with HIV
Reduce barriers caused by stigma and discrimination
Strengthen community leadership
Support inclusive health systems
Promote sustainable HIV responses

Key Focus Areas

Ending HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination

Projects should address the social barriers affecting people living with or vulnerable to HIV.

Supported activities may include:

Awareness campaigns
Community education
Rights-based approaches
Anti-discrimination initiatives

The goal is to create safer and more supportive environments.

Supporting People Living With HIV

Funding supports interventions that improve:

Access to support services
Health outcomes
Community care systems
Social inclusion

Projects should strengthen practical support networks.

Community-Led HIV Prevention

The programme supports locally designed prevention strategies.

Activities may include:

Community outreach
Health education
Testing support
Prevention awareness

Supporting Vulnerable and Underserved Groups

Positive Action prioritises communities disproportionately affected by HIV.

These include:

LGBTQI+ communities
Men who have sex with men
Sex workers
People who use drugs
People with disabilities
Women and girls
Migrant and displaced populations

Projects should respond to the specific needs and experiences of these groups.

Funding Streams

Positive Action provides support through two main funding options.

Innovator Funding

Innovator Funding supports organisations testing new approaches.

Funding amount:

Up to £100,000 over two years

The purpose is to:

Pilot new ideas
Test new methods
Generate evidence
Explore effective approaches

The approach must be new for the applicant organisation.

However, it may have been used by another organisation:

In another country
In another community
With another target group

Innovator Funding is designed for learning and future expansion.

Momentum Funding

Momentum Funding supports organisations scaling proven interventions.

Funding amount:

Up to £300,000 over three years

Annual limit:

Up to £100,000 per year

This funding supports:

Expansion of successful programmes
Replication of effective models
Wider community impact

Applicants must demonstrate that their approach has already worked.

Momentum Funding is not intended for:

New pilot projects
Untested ideas

It should build on existing evidence and previous experience.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is designed for community-based organisations working on HIV-related issues.

Eligible applicants include organisations that:

Work directly with affected communities
Support HIV prevention or care
Address stigma and discrimination
Have community involvement in their work

Priority is given to locally led organisations connected to communities most affected by HIV.

Community Engagement Requirements

Community participation is a core requirement.

Applications must explain how affected communities are involved in:

Project design
Decision-making
Implementation
Monitoring
Future development

Strong proposals should show:

Local leadership
Community ownership
Cultural relevance
Long-term sustainability

How to Apply

Step 1: Identify the Right Funding Stream

Applicants should decide whether their project fits:

Innovator Funding:

For testing and piloting new approaches.

Momentum Funding:

For scaling approaches with evidence of success.

Step 2: Develop a Community-Led Project Plan

The proposal should explain:

HIV-related challenge being addressed
Target communities
Planned activities
Expected results

Step 3: Demonstrate Community Participation

Applicants should describe:

Who is involved
How communities influence decisions
How local knowledge shapes the project

Step 4: Provide Evidence and Impact Plans

Momentum applications should include:

Previous results
Evidence of effectiveness
Lessons learned

Innovator applications should explain:

Why the approach is promising
How learning will be measured

Step 5: Submit Application

Applicants should provide:

Project proposal
Budget
Implementation plan
Community engagement strategy

Why This Funding Matters

HIV responses are strongest when communities lead solutions that reflect local realities.

The programme helps organisations:

Improve access to services
Reduce discrimination
Strengthen health rights
Build sustainable support systems

By supporting community-led action, Positive Action contributes to long-term HIV prevention and improved quality of life.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Choosing the Wrong Funding Stream

Projects may not fit the selected category.

Tip: Use Innovator Funding for new approaches and Momentum Funding for proven models.

Limited Community Involvement

Community participation is essential.

Tip: Explain how affected groups influence project decisions.

Weak Evidence for Scaling Projects

Momentum Funding requires proof of effectiveness.

Tip: Include results, learning, and evidence from previous work.

Ignoring Sustainability

Projects should continue beyond funding.

Tip: Explain how the intervention will remain effective after the grant period.

Generalised Approaches

HIV impacts different groups differently.

Tip: Clearly address the specific needs of the target community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Positive Action fund?

Positive Action funds community-led projects that address HIV prevention, support, stigma reduction, and health rights.

Who can apply?

Community-based organisations and groups working with communities affected by HIV can apply.

What is the difference between Innovator and Momentum Funding?

Innovator Funding supports testing new approaches, while Momentum Funding supports expanding proven interventions.

How much funding is available?

Innovator Funding provides up to £100,000 over two years. Momentum Funding provides up to £300,000 over three years.

Can a new organisation apply?

Yes, if it meets eligibility requirements and can demonstrate community-based work and capacity.

Are stigma reduction projects eligible?

Yes. Reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination is a major priority.

Is community involvement required?

Yes. Community engagement is mandatory for all Positive Action grants.

Conclusion

The Positive Action Community Strategic Initiatives programme provides essential funding for organisations working to improve HIV responses through community leadership.

By supporting innovation, scaling effective programmes, and reducing stigma, the initiative strengthens health systems and helps create more inclusive communities for people affected by HIV.