AIDS United is announcing an open call for reviewers for the Conexiones Positivas/Positive Connections Fund. These community-based reviewers oversee submitted proposals and in turn recommend grant funding. AIDS United is seeking a six-member team representative of the diversity of Latinx people living with and most affected by HIV.
Reviewer applicants can include individuals of varying professional experience, relevant lived and living experience, subject matter expertise, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, place of origin, language preference and geographic location.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Live in the United States, Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories.
- Possess professional or knowledgeable experience, including people newer to HIV justice and those with more extensive experience.
- Be able to participate actively and fully in the review process, including being present on all dates listed in the application document.
- Be proficient in English or Spanish, including reading, writing and speaking.
- Have access to the internet to participate in the review process fully. Familiarity with web applications such as Zoom, Excel, Google spreadsheets and web-based review platforms is preferred.
Two alternates will also be chosen in addition to the six reviewers. The alternates must be flexible enough to join the review process at any point and will be compensated based on the time of their entry. Selected reviewers will receive training on priorities and processes. AIDS United staff is available for support and questions, especially for first-time reviewers.
Each reviewer will receive a $1,000 honorarium, pending completion of all requirements. Honorariums will be made in two payments of $500.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Oct 31. After review, there will be a series of applicant interviews with finalists, followed by an announcement of selectees on Nov 7.
About the fund:
Latinx people are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic, accounting for 29% of new diagnoses despite only accounting for 18% of the total U.S. population. The Conexiones Positivas/Positive Connections Fund is a grantmaking initiative investing in leadership and capacity development for Latinx people living with HIV. The grants help organizations address, reduce, and eliminate HIV stigma, build HIV prevention and care, and enhance support services and advocacy. For the 2023-2024 cycle, $150,000 in funding is available to organizations that serve, are led by and advocate for Latinx people living with and most affected by HIV from communities of gay, bisexual, queer and same-gender-loving men and people of transmasculine experience.
AIDS United anticipates making six grants up to $25,000 each.
Questions can be directed to Christopher J. Cuevas, senior program manager of Latinx initiatives at ccuevas@aidsunited.org or Jessica Martinez, program manager of Latinx initiatives at jmartinez@aidsunited.org.
