FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AIDS United’s Melanted Movement Initiative Announces 2024 Grantees
Contact: Carli Gray (cgray@aidsunited.org)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – AIDS United is proud to announce the 2024 grantees for the Melanated Movement Fund. This fund is an initiative supporting tailored strategies to address holistic HIV prevention and care needs of Black cisgender and transgender women. The Fund offers grants, capacity building and technical assistance through the generous support of Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Five (5) community-based organizations were selected to receive multi-year funding and support to implement activities to advance Black women’s engagement in HIV prevention and/or care, provide support services addressing social determinants of health, as well as promoting self-efficacy with regard to health and well-being.
The 2024 – 2026 grantees are The Outlaw Project, The Women’s Collective, AIDS Outreach Center, Multicultural AIDS Coalition and The Dandelion Movement. Each of these organizations will receive up to $90,000 over three years, enabling them to expand their transformative work in HIV prevention and care. This funding empowers these organizations to reach more individuals and increase impact in their respective communities. “We are thrilled to be an advocate for Black Women in the United States and HIV Care,” says Masil Miranda, Program Manager at AIDS United. “We look forward to providing a platform as well as resources to the women as we recognize them to be the experts of their own experience.”
In advocating for health equity, it is crucial to highlight that Black women are disproportionately affected by HIV compared to other demographic groups. According to recent data from the CDC, Black women account for 57% of new HIV diagnoses among women, despite comprising only 13% of the U.S. female population. This stark disparity underscores the importance of targeted interventions and culturally responsive care, as exemplified by the grantees of the Setting the P.A.C.E. initiative.
“Black women face unique and significant challenges in the fight against HIV, often exacerbated by systemic barriers, such as limited access to healthcare, socioeconomic disparities and cultural stigmas,” says Carli Gray, Program Associate at AIDS United. “Addressing these issues requires targeted, community-driven strategies that acknowledge and respond to the lived experiences of Black women and girls, of all gender spectrums.”
Through this initiative, AIDS United and Gilead Sciences aim to catalyze a significant shift in the landscape of HIV prevention and care, ensuring that Black women and girls receive the support, respect, and healthcare they deserve.
The five distinguished grantees, The Outlaw Project, The Women’s Collective, AIDS Outreach Center, Multicultural AIDS Coalition, and The Dandelion Movement, are recognized for their outstanding commitment to enhancing the health and wellbeing of Black women and girls through arts, advocacy, education and addressing social determinants of health.
Join us in celebrating and learning more about the MMF grantees below:
The Outlaw Project is renowned for its groundbreaking work in mobilizing resources and support for transgender women of color, particularly those living with or vulnerable to HIV. Their focus on providing safe housing and healthcare access is critical in addressing the unique challenges faced by this community.
The Women’s Collective has a storied history of advocating for the rights and health of women living with HIV. Through comprehensive support services and community-based research, they have consistently led efforts to improve both health outcomes and quality of life for Black women affected by HIV.
AIDS Outreach Center continues to be a beacon of hope and support for individuals impacted by HIV in the Fort Worth community. Their holistic approach, integrating medical care, education and prevention services, reflects their commitment to reducing health disparities and fostering inclusive care for all.
Multicultural AIDS Coalition excels in leveraging cultural strengths and community networks to address the HIV epidemic among communities of color. Their initiatives in education, prevention and advocacy are instrumental in creating sustainable health outcomes for Black women and girls.
The Dandelion Movement is dedicated to empowering young Black women and lifetime survivors through leadership development, health education and community engagement. Their innovative programs address both the immediate and long-term needs of their community, providing a foundation for a healthier and more equitable future.
For more information about the Setting the P.A.C.E. initiative and the grantees, please visit AIDS United’s website.
