Addressing Stigma to End the HIV Epidemic in the U.S.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is offering a funding opportunity titled "Addressing Stigma to End the HIV Epidemic in the U.S." The goal of this initiative is to increase access to stigma-free, high-quality care, treatment, and prevention services for individuals with HIV who have not yet been successfully engaged in care, as well as those experiencing higher rates of HIV in the U.S. This funding opportunity is supported by the HRSA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Part F: Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Program and will focus on the implementation, adaptation, and evaluation of anti-stigma interventions. The grant will provide funding to one organization that will serve as an Implementation, Capacity, and Evaluation Provider responsible for delivering national anti-stigma training, identifying and supporting approximately 20 demonstration sites, and conducting a multi-site evaluation of the selected interventions. The recipient will also develop and disseminate user-friendly materials aimed at reducing HIV-related stigma in various healthcare and prevention settings. The program builds on prior HRSA and NIH research and integrates evidence-based approaches to address HIV stigma at structural, organizational, and community levels. A total of $4,250,000 will be available for Year 1, with $6,000,000 annually for Years 2-4, resulting in a total funding period from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2029. HRSA plans to award one cooperative agreement under this opportunity. The recipient will be expected to provide training in both English and Spanish, ensuring broad accessibility for HIV care providers and organizations. Additionally, the recipient must ensure the interventions selected are evidence-informed and feasible for implementation within the U.S. healthcare system. Eligible applicants include public and private nonprofit entities, including public and private higher education institutions, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, state and local governments, independent school districts, public housing authorities, and Native American tribal organizations. Individuals are not eligible to apply. There is no cost-sharing requirement, and applicants may submit only one application. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and are due by March 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. An informational webinar will be available, with details to be provided at a later date. The anticipated award date is August 1, 2025, and the project is expected to start on September 1, 2025. The review process will evaluate applications based on need, response, evaluation strategy, impact, organizational resources, and budget justification. The program also includes a strong focus on evaluation and dissemination. The recipient must track and measure training effectiveness, intervention adaptations, and implementation challenges, while maintaining compliance with federal regulations, data privacy requirements, and reporting obligations. Annual site visits, technical assistance, and capacity-building activities are key components of the funded project. For inquiries, applicants may contact LaQuanta Smalley, MPH, BSN, RN, Senior Public Health Analyst, via SPNS@hrsa.gov or at (301) 443-0995. Budget-related inquiries can be directed to Beverly Smith at bsmith@hrsa.gov or (301) 443-7065.