Harm Reduction Futures Fund

What is Harm Reduction?

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. It 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.

About the Fund

The Harm Reduction Futures Fund supports evidence-based and community-driven approaches to prevent the transmission of both HIV and viral hepatitis, reduce injection-related injuries, increase overdose prevention and reversal efforts, and connect people who use drugs to comprehensive prevention, treatment, and support services.

Grant Opportunities

The Harm Reduction Futures Fund awards cash grants to organizations that are led by, meaningfully involve, and serve networks of people who use drugs — including in the design, delivery, and evaluation of services. This includes syringe services programs providing direct services, and harm reduction organizations supporting multiple syringe services programs.

Direct service organizations may apply for $10,000 to $25,000 for one year.
Multi-program support organizations may apply for $25,000 to $40,000 for one year.

Applications begin with a Pre-Application Survey submitted through AIDS United’s online application form. AIDS United’s community review committee reviews every submission and invites a maximum of forty eligible organizations with compelling requests to submit a full proposal.

How to Apply

Round 17 is now open. The application process begins with a Pre-Application Survey, submitted through AIDS United’s online application form.

Deadline

Pre-Application Surveys are due by 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Start Your Pre-Application Survey

Late, incomplete, mailed, express-delivered, or faxed Pre-Application Survey responses will not be accepted.

Assistance With Your Pre-Application Survey

AIDS United staff are available to answer questions and provide technical assistance. Please send questions and requests for assistance to harmreduction@aidsunited.org.

Optional one-on-one office hours are also available in 15-minute slots on the dates below. Additional days and times may be added if needed.

Friday, September 18 · 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET
Tuesday, September 22 · 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. ET
Wednesday, September 23 · 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, September 24 · 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. ET

Materials from the previous cycle, Round 16, remain available for reference:

Download the HRFF Round 16 Request for Pre-Application Survey (PDF)

Read the full Round 16 announcement, including key dates and technical assistance

Policy Priorities

AIDS United's policy team builds and strengthens relationships that elevate the importance of harm reduction within the HIV community and among federal, state, and local governmental partners.

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 evidence-based, lifesaving overdose prevention centers without interference
Decriminalize drug use and provide justice and restitution to victims of the war on drugs, particularly in Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities
Ensure people who use drugs are active participants in the development of drug user health policy

Questions? Contact our team at harmreduction@aidsunited.org