HIV/ AIDS Prevention and Response Services for African Americans

The HIV/AIDS Prevention and Response Services for African Americans 2026 grant is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and supported through the African-American HIV/AIDS Response Fund, a state-funded initiative. This fund was created to address health disparities and improve HIV prevention, treatment access, and service delivery in Illinois' African-American communities. The Illinois Department of Public Health emphasizes health equity and aims to reduce the disproportionate impact of HIV among African Americans, who represent half of all HIV cases in the state despite making up only 14% of the population. The primary objective of this grant is to fund core HIV prevention services such as testing, linkage to medical care, partner services, and risk reduction efforts for African Americans at high risk of HIV infection. Organizations must provide culturally competent services and have trained staff with completed IDPH-required HIV training. A secondary, optional activity allows 1–2 grantees to establish a comprehensive resource hub offering wraparound services, including testing, medical care, PrEP, and social supports such as housing and substance use treatment. The grant will offer up to 15 awards ranging from $85,000 to $200,000 each, from a total pool of $4,000,000. The grant period runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with the possibility of two renewals, contingent on funding availability and compliance. No cost sharing or matching is required. Indirect costs are permitted but must comply with the centralized Indirect Cost Rate System used by the state. Eligible applicants must be Illinois-based organizations in good standing, have existed for at least one year, and have a majority African-American board of directors. They must serve African-American communities affected by HIV and be located in the communities they serve. Applicants must be registered in the state GATA system, have an active UEI and SAM registration, and not be listed on any disqualification databases. Applications must be submitted electronically via the IDPH Electronic Grants Administration and Management System (EGrAMS) by June 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM CDT. Applicants must include a detailed scope of work, budget, organizational background, and health equity strategy. Applications will be scored based on the scope of work (31 points), work plan (24 points), budget justification (10 points), and a health equity checklist (35 points), for a total of 100 possible points. An optional technical assistance session will be held on May 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM CDT. Interested applicants can register through the provided WebEx link. The anticipated award announcement date is June 20, 2025. Questions and requests for assistance may be directed to Tiffani Saunders at tiffani.saunders@illinois.gov or 217-524-6525.