About the opportunity
The AIDSWatch@Home program is a nine-month initiative designed to empower locally rooted organizations and coalitions to engage in effective HIV-related advocacy and organizing. Participants receive financial support of up to $15,000 to bolster their efforts at the state, local, Tribal, or territorial level. Beyond the funding, the program provides a structured framework for capacity building, allowing grantees to develop and execute advocacy strategies that address the specific needs of their communities. The program runs from December 2026 through August 2027, fostering a cohort-based environment where organizations can share knowledge, refine their policy goals, and strengthen their impact in the fight against the HIV epidemic.
Funding and benefits
- Grant funding of up to $15,000 per organization or coalition
- Participation in a nine-month organizing and advocacy program
- Technical assistance and capacity building support
- Access to peer learning networks
Who can apply?
- Locally rooted organizations and coalitions
- Entities working at the state, local, Tribal, or territorial level
- Organizations focused on HIV prevention, care, and treatment advocacy
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Project budget using the provided workbook template
When to apply
- Applications are due by Friday, October 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ET
How to apply
- Review the Request for Applications (RFA) document
- Prepare the project budget using the official budget workbook
- Submit the proposal through the official online application portal
Additional information
- The program duration is from December 2026 to August 2027.
- Approximately 8 awards are expected to be granted.
- AIDS United prioritizes racial justice and communities in the U.S. South.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for grassroots organizations or coalitions that already have a clear advocacy agenda but need financial and structural support to scale their impact.
- A strong match for groups operating in regions where HIV disproportionately impacts communities of color, particularly in the U.S. South.
- Well-suited for organizations seeking not just funding, but also professional development and peer-to-peer networking within the HIV advocacy sector.
What should you think carefully about?
- The program requires a significant nine-month commitment, so applicants must ensure they have the staff capacity to participate in the full advocacy and organizing curriculum.
- The funding is capped at $15,000, which may not cover large-scale operational costs; it is best viewed as project-specific support.
- Applicants must be prepared to align their advocacy goals with the mission of AIDS United, which centers on racial equity and ending the HIV epidemic.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This program is an excellent vehicle for organizations looking to transition from local service delivery to active policy advocacy. By combining direct funding with a structured nine-month curriculum, it provides a low-risk environment to test new advocacy strategies, build organizational capacity, and establish a footprint in the broader HIV policy landscape.
Our take
Organizations deeply embedded in their local communities that are ready to formalize their advocacy efforts should prioritize this opportunity. It is less suitable for groups seeking general operating support for non-advocacy programs or those unable to commit to the nine-month program timeline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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