How to Apply
- How big are the grants?
- What's your grantmaking philosophy?
- What projects have been funded so far?
- How do I apply for a grant?
How big are the grants?
AIDS Relief Fund for China makes two types of grants:
Small grants: $1,000-$5,000
Micro grants: below $500
For those groups which are not large enough to secure international funding, these small-scale grants can make a big difference.
We give priority to community-based solutions and groups not large enough to secure funding from major foundations. We target:
- Grassroots start-up groups
- Pilot projects
- Leadership development
Our approach to grantmaking is modeled after other cross-border philanthropic organizations which value local advisement. We utilize local nominating advisors and field director to recommend projects for funding. Once the validity of the proposed projects is confirmed, the amount of paper work is minimal and grants are processed within a short time.
Micro grants can be approved without a meeting of the entire board, so they can be processed more quickly. Small grants have to be approved by our board of directors. Processing usually takes about two months.
What's your grantmaking philosophy?
Effective grant-making hinges on reaching local activist communities. Our board members, field director and China-based advisors visit local communities, at their own expense, to bring us up-to-date information. A broad knowledge of HIV/AIDS advocacy work in China enables us to direct aid where it is most needed, and to the most effective projects.
Our work with young grassroots organizations includes nurturing their growth to enhance and broaden their impact. We go beyond grants by doing the following:
- Highlight the achievements of emerging grassroots leaders
- Promote and publicize best practices
- Brainstorm and strategize with grassroots organizations for new approaches
- Share information and new perspectives with local activists
- Communicate with U.S.-based and international funders
- Create new alliances with other foundations and grant-makers
What projects have been funded so far?
Examples of our grantees and their projects include:
- Pen Pal Club to link university students in Beijing with AIDS orphans in Henan
- Peer education on HIV/AIDS at Jiaotong University in Shanghai
- Production of AIDS awareness playing cards
- Printing of AIDS awareness newsletters in Henan
- Condom distribution
- AIDS education program on university campuses of Chongqing
- Peer education among sex workers and drug users in Xichang, Sichuan
Please refer to our annual reports and grantee reports for more information.
How do I apply for a grant?
There is no application deadline. If you are an organization in China and you believe your project meets our criteria, please send a letter of inquiry to info@arfcusa.org. Describe briefly your organization and your project. We will ask one of our local advisors to contact you.
If our advisor recommends your project for funding, we will send you two simple forms to fill out. We also need a copy of your registration and bank account information. We cannot fund individuals. You have to have a bank account that bears the name of your organization in order to receive funding.
Filling out our forms does not guarantee that you will receive a grant. You will be notified by e-mail or by phone of our decision.