mission  of the Melanated Movement Fund is to empower Black by expanding access to tailored HIV prevention and care through strategic funding, capacity building, and technical assistance. The Melanated Movement Fund supports community-based organizations in delivering comprehensive services that address the unique needs of Black women, fostering advocacy, and education. We are committed to reducing barriers and promoting holistic health by integrating HIV prevention with services that address social determinants of health.

As we evolve, the Melanated Movement Fund continues to build on our foundational work of stigma reduction, storytelling, and prevention for Black Women of all experiences affected by HIV. We understand that addressing HIV is about more than just medicine—it is about centering the whole person, their experiences, their dreams, and their communities. The Melanated Movement’s journey has been one of empowering our community through education and open dialogue, fostering an environment where the voices and experiences of Black women are uplifted.

We have expanded our impact through the Melanated Movement Fund—a transformative initiative providing multi-year funding, capacity building, and technical assistance to community-based organizations nationwide.

The Fund aims to continue fostering a world where every Black woman has the power and support to not only survive but thrive in the face of HIV. Its mission is to reach at least 375 Black women, providing them with opportunities for genuine community building and access to the comprehensive care they deserve. We are building the capacity of five community-based organizations, equipping them with the resources, training, and support they need to implement innovative, tailored approaches to HIV prevention and care. Together, we are not just addressing the epidemic; we are fostering a future where Black women can lead healthy, empowered lives, supported by communities that care deeply about their well-being.

Stigma reduction

We are focused on reframing the messaging around HIV and prevention with a platform to have honest conversations. Our positive, empowering conversations will end the shame and stigma associated with HIV prevention, risk factors, testing, symptoms, transmission and risk to be more inclusive and empowering.  

Sharing stories 

We are committed to advocating for and amplifying the stories of Black cis and trans women. Storytelling is a powerful tool, and we invite Black cis and trans women in care to share their stories. Hearing stories from Black women living with HIV will help raise awareness and increase understanding and empathy.

Our platform offers a safe space to connect and uplift so that we can end the epidemic together. We’re dedicated to fighting stigma by giving a voice to our sisters. Learn from their experiences, solutions and stories of hope. 

Prevention

Learn prevention methods and provide resources to help our community understand how to protect themselves and those around them. We provide accurate and up-to-date information on the latest HIV prevention strategies. Prevention methods help our community understand how to defend themselves, and those around them are some up-to-date strategies. 

Testing 

Find out where to go for testing, what to expect and how to talk to your health care provider to understand results. Learn about signs, symptoms and at-home HIV test kit options access, including testing services in your area. Confidential results in the comfort of your own home. 

Care

In response to HIV outbreaks, we will provide information to direct resources to the communities that need them most. Patient peer navigation, the red-carpet experience, trauma-informed care, intimate partner violence and self-efficacy/resilience are some of the pain points we will discuss in our live conversations and in-person events.