Engagement of faith-based organizations (FBO) to support and sustain life-saving Services for HIV and TB in Ethiopia under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has released a forecasted funding opportunity entitled “Engagement of faith-based organizations (FBO) to support and sustain life-saving Services for HIV and TB in Ethiopia under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).” This initiative reflects the long-standing U.S. government commitment to addressing the global HIV/AIDS epidemic through PEPFAR and expands upon the role of faith-based organizations in healthcare delivery in Ethiopia. The program is structured as a cooperative agreement, with CDC working closely with the selected recipient to ensure effective implementation and integration into existing health systems. The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity is to strengthen and sustain HIV and tuberculosis services through faith-based organizations, which often serve as essential access points for communities who may be underserved by conventional healthcare systems. The program is designed to provide HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services, including adult and pediatric HIV care, as well as cervical cancer services for women living with HIV. The recipient will be expected to adopt cost-effective models that are integrated within the Ethiopian healthcare system, with a particular focus on reaching populations at higher risk of HIV infection and those who lack access to traditional service delivery channels. The scope of the award extends beyond HIV and tuberculosis care and may also support activities responding to other public health threats in Ethiopia. A core objective is to promote country ownership and invest in local plans that foster sustainability. This means the recipient organization will be required to align with Ethiopian public health priorities while also ensuring that program models build long-term capacity within the country’s healthcare and community-based systems. The award will support collaboration with faith leaders and networks to maximize outreach and service delivery to hard-to-reach populations. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad, encompassing a range of U.S.-based and international applicants. Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations with and without 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, public and private institutions of higher education, tribal governments and organizations, independent school districts, city and county governments, state governments, special district governments, and housing authorities. This wide eligibility framework is consistent with PEPFAR’s global approach to enabling diverse partners to contribute to HIV/AIDS response efforts. The funding for this program anticipates approximately $2,000,000 for Year 1, although the ceiling for Year 1 is noted as zero at this forecast stage. The program expects to make a single award. While matching is not required, CDC emphasizes that funding availability is subject to appropriations. Applications will be due February 17, 2026, with an anticipated award date of September 30, 2026. The project is also expected to begin on that date, with a projected period of performance aligned with annual fiscal year funding cycles. Applicants will be required to submit applications electronically through Grants.gov by the stated deadline. Submissions must be complete and submitted no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the due date. The CDC has not listed pre-application requirements such as letters of intent, but applicants should monitor updates as this is a forecasted opportunity. The notice also specifies an archive date of March 19, 2026. All inquiries about this funding opportunity may be directed to the Division of Global HIV & TB (DGHT) at pepfarfoas@cdc.gov, which is the primary contact for NOFO-related questions.