Conexiones Positivas Fund

Our Roots

Established in 2020, the Conexiones Positivas Fund—a project of AIDS United—seeks to end the HIV epidemic among Latine communities in the United States and Puerto Rico by investing in grantmaking, power-building, public policy/advocacy, strategic communications, and original research.

Founded by a group of HIV philanthropists working together across sectors, the Conexiones Positivas Fund is uniquely positioned at the intersection of corporate, political, and grassroots power and supports individuals, organizations, initiatives, and innovations addressing the health and wellness of Latine communities.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, we have awarded more than $780,000 to organizations creating healthier communities in work that includes human services, health, the arts, public policy, and economic development.

Mission

To fuel the dreams of Latine communities across the United States and Puerto Rico for healthy lives, thriving cultures, just societies, and empowered civic engagement through strategic resources, collaborative partnerships, and impactful advocacy.

Vision

Our vision is a future where the dreams of Latine communities for well-being, cultural vitality, social justice, and civic engagement are fully realized, creating a tapestry of thriving and empowered communities.

Priorities

Advancing Health
Equity

Engaging the social determinants of health to improve health outcomes and expanding access to healthcare and support services for Latine communities.

Strengthening the HIV Movement

Growing and strengthening movements of diverse health justice advocates by creating spaces for them to connect, learn, and collaborate.

Investing in Latine Leaders

Investing in the next generation of Latine public health leaders through skills building and collaboration.

Shifting the
Narrative

Radically transforming long-held collective beliefs, behaviors, and power structures about HIV among Latine communities to inspire behavioral and systems change.

HIV in Latine Communities

316,000

There are an estimated 316,000 Latine people in the United States who are living with HIV.

89%

Gay, bisexual, and queer Latine men account for 89% of new HIV diagnoses among Latine men in the United States.

38%

Latine people account for roughly 38% of all new HIV diagnoses among transgender and nonbinary people in the United States.

19%

Latine women account for roughly 19% of all new HIV diagnoses among Latine people.

Team

Staff & Advisory Board Members

Athena Cross, DrPH
Vice President & Chief Programs Officer

Christopher J. Cuevas
Senior Program Manager

D. D’Ontace Keyes, MBA
Senior Communications Manager

José Rosa
Program Consultant

Obrenka Thompson Clayborn, MPH
Program Manager

Vienna Mbgaya, MPH
Senior Manager of Impact & Evaluation

Grissel Granados
Los Angeles, California

louie ortiz-fonseca
Washington, DC

Maria I. Wilson, EdD, LMSW, LVN
Houston, Texas

Marielle De León Toledo
San Juan, Puerto Rico

Omni Romero
Richland, Washington

Get In Touch
If you want to support us in our journey, consider making a donation or email us at cppc@aidsunited.org for potential collaborations.

Our Initiatives

AIDS United has long believed it is essential to provide our community with the support and tools needed to respond to the HIV epidemic where they live most effectively. The Conexiones Positivas Fund has designed supportive programs to aid partners and their organizations to meet their visions for change.

Grant Making

Caminos Fund
Supporting emerging organizations and leaders of color working at the intersection of racial and health justice to incubate their visions for action and systemic change.

Desarrollo Fund
Supporting frontline organizations and movement-leaders to design innovative strategies that accelerate change and promote the health and well-being of Latine communities.

Communications

We Are United Initiative
Building partnerships and resourcing efforts to increase awareness about HIV, reduce stigma, promote the importance of testing and prevention options, and encourage people to begin and stay in treatment. Learn more about this Initiative.

Somos Unidos Initiative
Empowering Spanish-speaking communities to create and transform community norms and perceptions about HIV and sexual health.

Power Building

Conexiones Academy
Convening nonprofit leaders of color through programs that build political consciousness, linking individual actions to broader movements and highlighting the power of collective action against the HIV epidemic.

Charlas
Small group think tanks to sharpen the technical expertise essential for nonprofit leaders of color to effectively navigate the sector’s complex challenges, providing a responsive environment for immediate feedback and strategic collaboration.

Buen Vivir Summit
An annual summit for transgender, queer, and gender non-conforming Latine activists and allies to develop strategies for improving HIV health outcomes in Latine communities nationwide.

Our Impact

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, we have been able to grant more than $780,000 to organizations creating healthier communities in sectors including human services, health, the arts, public policy, and economic development.

At a Glance

5 Years of Grantmaking

$780,000 Funds Dispersed

68 Projects Supported

Get Involved

The Conexiones Positivas Fund is generously supported by ViiV Healthcare’s Positive Action Grant Program, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign, and Merck Pharmaceuticals.