What is Harm Reduction?
Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs. It accepts, for better or worse, that licit and illicit drug use is part of our world and chooses to work to minimize its harmful effects rather than simply ignore or condemn them.
AIDS United's Harm Reduction Futures Fund
The application process for the Harm Reduction Futures Fund will begin with a Pre-Application Survey, which should be submitted via AIDS United’s online application form and are due by 5:00 p.m. ET on September 25, 2026.
Additionally, a webinar will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, 2:00 p.m ET, for the purpose of providing clarification about the grant announcement and key application submission tips. The TA webinar includes information about submitting the proposal online.
Optional one-on-one technical assistance office hours, where AIDS United staff will be available to assist with any questions you might have, will be held at the following times during the open application period. If interested, sign up for a 15-minute slot at the links below.
- September 14 – PAS Office Hours 1-3 pm ET
- September 15 – PAS Office Hours 2- 4 pm ET
- September 18 – PAS Office Hours 1-3 pm ET
- September 22 – PAS Office Hours 1-2 pm ET
- September 23 – PAS Office Hours 4-6 pm ET
- September 24 – PAS Office Hours 2-4 pm ET
- *Additional days and times may be added if needed*
If you have any questions about this funding opportunity or the content of your Pre-Application Survey, reach out to the Harm Reduction Futures Fund team at harmreduction@aidsunited.org. If you have any questions about navigating our online application form or the submission of your survey, contact grants@aidsunited.org.
Policy Priorities
AIDS United’s policy team is dedicated to building and strengthening relationships that elevate the importance of and support for harm reduction within the HIV community and among our federal, state and local governmental partners. Through a harm reduction approach, we can affirm the rights, health, and dignity of people who use drugs and their loved ones, and together, end the HIV and overdose epidemic.
In order to achieve this goal, it is imperative that our elected leaders:
- End the ban on the use of federal funds to purchase syringes.
- Increase federal funding for harm reduction and syringe services programs in accordance with advocates’ stated needs.
- Allow states and jurisdictions to open up evidence based, lifesaving overdose prevention centers without interference.
- Decriminalize drug use and provide justice and restitution to the victims of the war on drugs, particularly in Black, Brown and Indigenous communities.
- Ensure that people who use drugs are active participants in the development of drug user health policy.
Grantmaking Partners
If you need to get in touch with the team, send an email to harmreduction@aidsunited.org and someone will be in touch.