Apply for a Grant

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All AFC grants are limited to not-for-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) entities that serve Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, Ohio, USA. Organizations and individuals without 501(c)(3) status may apply for funds with the support of another 501(c)(3)-designated entity agreeing to serve as fiscal sponsor.

Discretionary Grants

Discretionary grantmaking through the AFC is designed to provide a supplemental funding opportunity for a short-term or one-time HIV/AIDS-related need in the community. Each request is limited to $5,000. Additional information can be found in our discretionary grant policy. Applications are reviewed by AFC staff and approved by the AFC Advisory Committee Chair. The discretionary grant policy with application guidance can be found here or below under Forms.

Catalyst Grants

Catalyst grants support intensive community-centered work through mid-range grants for HIV-focused community organizing, pilot projects, and selected trainings and events in specific neighborhoods and networks that face the highest rates of HIV. Preference will be given to organizations that the AFC has not previously funded with responsive or targeted grants. These grants range between $5,000 to $20,000 and will be allocated on a rolling basis throughout the year. The catalyst grant policy with application guidance can be found here or below under Forms.

Responsive Grants

Responsive grants are made through an annual Request for Applications (RFA) based on a set of funding priorities intended to fill gaps and build capacity in the community. The annual RFA is released during the 2nd quarter of the year with 1-year grant awards beginning on October 1st.

The full 2023 Responsive Grants Request for Applications (RFA) can be found here, and all accompanying documents and forms can be found below under Forms. The 2023 funding priority areas include:

  • HIV care and support services, including those aligned with Ryan White categories;
  • HIV prevention services; and
  • Community-led and neighborhood-based HIV programming focused on ZIP codes and networks in greatest need

Targeted Grants

Targeted grants are strategic, often multi-year partnerships with the community and are made on a rolling basis. As needs are identified, the AFC invites agencies to submit a proposal, which is subject to review by the full AFC Advisory Committee. Targeted grants have historically ranged from $5,000 to $100,000.

Forms

Following are commonly used application forms and guidance: