Harm Reduction Futures Fund

The Harm Reduction Futures Fund (HRFF), formerly known as the Syringe Access Fund, is a collaborative grantmaking initiative managed by AIDS United. The Fund was established in 2004 and remains focused on supporting organizations that serve people who use drugs (PWUD) through evidence-based, community-driven interventions. These interventions aim to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes related to HIV, viral hepatitis, overdose prevention, and overall drug user health. The Fund supports syringe services programs (SSPs) providing direct services and harm reduction organizations that assist multiple SSPs. For Round 16, the HRFF prioritizes programs led by and serving Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC), as well as organizations operating in high-need, low-resource jurisdictions. Eligible applicants must either be BIPOC-led/serving organizations or be located in areas with significant restrictions or lack of support for harm reduction services. All applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or have a qualified fiscal sponsor, possess a total organizational budget of less than $1.5 million, and be based in the United States or its territories. Applicants must also be fiscally stable and able to use funds within a 12-month period beginning February 1, 2026. The HRFF offers one-year cash grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 for syringe service programs providing direct services and $25,000 to $40,000 for harm reduction organizations supporting multiple SSPs. Only one application category may be selected per organization. The Fund prohibits the use of grant money for medications, direct medical expenses, clinical research, pharmaceutical promotion, lobbying, and several other restricted activities. Funded organizations must be in good standing with AIDS United, and all funds must be utilized by January 31, 2027. The application process begins with a required Pre-Application Survey, due by 5:00 p.m. ET on August 21, 2025. Submissions must be completed via AIDS United’s online application form. A community-based review committee will invite up to 40 applicants to submit full proposals. Those invited must submit full proposals by October 20, 2025, with funding decisions expected by December 18, 2025. The grant period officially starts on February 1, 2026. An interim report is due by September 1, 2026, and a final report by March 1, 2027. Applicants can access technical assistance through office hours scheduled on several dates in August 2025. A webinar on August 8, 2025, will provide guidance on completing the pre-application. Additional resources and updates are available via AIDS United’s website. For general inquiries about the HRFF, applicants can contact harmreduction@aidsunited.org, while questions related to the online form or submission process should be directed to grants@aidsunited.org.

Attend the August 8 webinar; use technical assistance office hours if needed; submit online only.