Grants for HIV/AIDs Support Projects

Author: Kevin Watson

For almost 30 years, HIV/AIDS has caused illness and deaths across the world, particularly in Africa. Transmission is through blood and sexual fluids.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gives rise to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS reduces the body’s cellular immunity. This lowers a person’s resistance to disease and infection. Although the HIV virus may take a long time to develop into AIDS, when it does the result is usually fatal.

The Make a Difference Trust

The aim of the Make A Difference Trust is to improve the lives of those who have HIV and AIDS. The Trust’s intention is to alleviate poverty, support care programmes and educate people about HIV/AIDS.

UK charities that work with people who have HIV/AIDS can apply for grants. Applicants’ projects must meet one or more of the Trust’s criteria:

Projects concerned with HIV and mental health
Projects that train and educate people about HIV/AIDS
Projects that give money to people who are suffering financially because of HIV/AIDS
Projects that support highly active retroviral treatments (HARTs)
Projects that work with orphans and children who are vulnerable because of HIV/AIDS

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Children With AIDS Charity

The Children With AIDS Charity helps families that are trying to cope with HIV/AIDS. To this end, the charity has a hardship fund. Families can apply for grants that come from a monthly pot of £12,000. The average grant is about £150.

The grants are for practical everyday purchases. These include children’s clothing, uniforms and bedding. Grants can also help towards the costs of childcare and a new baby.

A family can only apply for a grant through a third party. This third party must be working with them. Health professionals and social workers are examples of those who apply for the grants.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Elton John AIDS Foundation

The UK’s largest independent provider of HIV/AIDS project funding is the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF).

Among other initiatives, EJAF has a hardship fund for adults and children. The fund awards emergency grants to HIV/AIDS sufferers. The total amount EJAF has awarded to date is almost £15 million.

The grants assist people with HIV/AIDS across the UK. EJAF also helps marginalised people gain access to services that can improve the quality of their lives. Such people include asylums seekers, refugees, gay and bisexual youth, male sex workers, and minority ethnic groups.

Crusaid

The aim of Crusaid is to help HIV/AIDS sufferers put poverty behind them and lead better quality lives.

Crusaid’s hardship fund has two grant types. The first provides money to welfare groups and health professionals. These use the money to alleviate the poverty of those who have HIV/AIDS.

The second grant type supports professionals who are studying how grants can solve the causes of this poverty.

The grants cover practical items such as fridges and washing machines. There is also money for respite care for children. This is payable when a parent or carer has to go into hospital.

A social worker makes a needs-based assessment of each grant application. Applicants should therefore have full details of the people they wish to assist.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Grant Eligibility Finder lets you tell us what you need funding for and we will match you with the types of UK grant most likely to accept your application. Try it now →

33 questions

Ask Grants Expert a Question

GrantsExpert Editor 27/03/2026 at 10:08 pm

@Kerry I'm so sorry you're going through such a difficult time. Living with HIV while managing mental health challenges and financial pressures must feel overwhelming, especially with children depending on you.

Please reach out to Terrence Higgins Trust (0808 802 1221) who offer free, confidential support specifically for people living with HIV, including mental health services and benefits advice. They can also connect you with local HIV support groups and emergency hardship funds.

For the bailiff situation, contact National Debtline (0808 808 4000) urgently for free advice on dealing with enforcement action.

If you're having thoughts of not wanting to continue, please call Samaritans on 116 123 anytime. You matter, and there are people who want to help you through this.

Kerry 30/11/2025 at 12:12 am

I have hiv from 2015 I can’t work I have mental and emotional issues and depression and anxiety and I can’t be around anyone and I have 3 children and I can’t provide for them and too much bills and Balif coming over I feel like am tired of living

Tarmo 07/02/2024 at 4:00 am

Hi iam.hiv 3 yers go I need help I living in London with husband but he have gril friends and I don't have job it's very difficult with my to children I don't know how take take care them I do pat time job but still need help please my husband is not working from Jun 2003

BermondseyGuy1988 20/12/2023 at 6:52 pm

Can anyone help me? I need a grant or some support financially. Difficult times. I’m on benefits. Need daily food and need furniture and clothes. I was diagnosed with HIV 31/12/2012 ( yes, New Year’s Eve! ) I have other health conditions and complex. Ashley

Huggybare 05/11/2023 at 7:49 pm

Hello hi,I was diagnosed in 1999,I'm only 53,I've worked up till August 2023.my CD4 is less than 200.now I'm not working it seems as though they are trying to force me work,saying if I don't look for work my universal credit will stop.its not that I don't want to work it's because I'm not well enough.i get 839 per month ,720 is my rent,I'm left with less 120 amonth,it's absolutely ridiculous to live on,I'm in serious need of help.

Mj 14/10/2023 at 10:40 am

I Was diagnosed with hiv in 2003. My son have it too since then.
Have been going through different health challenges since then
Have had 4 surgeries in the space of 2 years. I am still struggling to cope. I have not been able to run my own business since have been sick., kidney problems and so. It has been a struggle, covid and my continuous operation ruined my business.
It has no been easy . Universal has cut down all my money. I am pleading if I can get some grant or loan and go back to my business. Because we are living in poverty. Have sold most of personal items to pay billsZ council has gone up. I am really struggling.
I want to go back to my business

Stgermain75 02/07/2023 at 9:56 pm

Hi good evening, I'm HIV positive more than 10 years and I'm struggling with debts and bills every month, I need help.for back to work or start my own business.
I need tools and someone cab advice. Me please
Many thanks and regards
JP

Jay 30/01/2023 at 10:15 am

I've had hiv for past few years, I caught it while serving a prison sentence, I'm released in May 2023, I need help to cope either this illness, I've no home to ho to, clothes good etc ... I also have half custody of my 2 daughters ages 13& 15....

JAN 25/07/2021 at 11:35 pm

I had HIV since 2019Fsmilt disowned me need a grant to end some if my poverty suffer mental health issues to Severe anxiety depression Only friend have is 81Hes had pace maker fitted Can't anyone help me apply for grant please reply a s ap

Dosh 16/12/2019 at 9:20 pm

I'm HIV positive, I've just recently gone into universal credit and I'm struggling, I don't even have any money whatsoever, I have nothing to give the children for Christmas, I have a son who is 16 and has Asperger's syndrome and have stopped the DLA, I need financial help, can you help me?

Lee 04/11/2019 at 1:10 pm

I male 29yrs old i got disease 3years back am married my wife she is pregnant i dont have job kindly i ask for your help

Carlos 29/10/2019 at 11:01 am

I just been diagnosed with HIV a month ago.
But know i am struggle to find a living space for my self as my wife start asking me to move out ASAP because shes not confortable with me at home but because of financial situation i have to hold on and hearing my wife putting pressure on me being cold and distant
Any advice

Sharon 28/10/2019 at 8:09 am

I am living with HIV for 12 years now and also pregnant and not working.I have no money to spend to buy baby stuff before my baby is born.And I had to leave my work because of moving. I had bills to pay which is still accumulating because there is no income going in to my account.I have children as well which I need some money for clothing, food ,travelling expenses and
My bills to be paid off as well .Can someone help me with this ?? Thank you

???? 07/09/2019 at 4:34 pm

I'm a young man 28 I was put in prison for something I didn't do was later realease 10 months after after them dropping all the charges but one so they didn't have to pay me compensation... during the time I spent inside I was diagnosed with the virus (I hate saying it) and have given up on everything I have only told my dad and it's been over a year now ... I haven't been able to work my mental health has gone through the roof so at this point I'm trying anything. Kind regards ???

BGD 22/07/2019 at 9:30 am

I need a loan of £ 5000 to be paid back over the next 5 years. I am a long term survivor of 38 years . I could never get insurance as this was discovered on the medical when applying for it. I need the money to help me build my business and get out of the debt it has cost me getting it to a level where returns are starting to show. The banks will not help so if anyone knows of a private investors that can help please let me know

Bradley 22/07/2019 at 8:56 am

Very long term sufferer. 33 to 35 years . Never got the chance to take out insurance due to health problems. I have worked very hard and only had a short time on benefits after a stroke. But now at 58 I am having financial difficulties. I need to borrow £5000. And pay back over 5 years. The money is to help me build a small business that will look after me for the forseeable future.Can anybody tell me where I can get a small loan like this. I am living in Spain and spent the last of my savings on a Entertainment bar. The all inclusive package holiday surge over the past 5 years killed that off and left me struggling. I am now working part time and trying to build my online health business.if anyone knows where I can get this help please let me know The banks have all said no due to the fact that I do not have enough asserts to cover the amount.

Fossy 24/06/2019 at 12:24 am

Hie I am HIV positive and also hep B positive. I live in West Midlands and have noted that would like to start up support group to support families affected with HIV and aids especially those who feel isolated and also those still struggle with disclosure to their loved ones. I have always been passionate about helping others especially around stigma and getting back control of your life as I was off work for nearly three years when I was newly diagnosed I have a lot of experience as a nurse and also from personal life and would like to make a difference to my community but don’t have any funding to start up and don’t know how I can access such resources. Would appreciate your support hope to hear from you soon.

Uncle Tom 27/03/2019 at 7:13 am

Hello, my organization works with OVCs, widowed, and youth. But the health center where our people who are HIV positive go for councilling doesn't have a special room/ private space for these people. This affects the number of people who would come go for medical check ups, HIV information, and councilling because there is no privacy!
As an organization, we are now looking for where we can get funds to solve this challenge.
So, am kindly inquiring from Grants expert if there is any where where is there is an opportunity that we can try!
We feel this issue is very crucial that it needs to be addressed immediately to save lives.
Thanks.

celia 14/11/2018 at 12:48 pm

I'm living with HIV and taking an epilem pills so they cut my grant saying I'm ohk and I'm not working and my family abandoned me since I'm living with HIV ,I once admitted in hospital for MDR TB on 2015 but I survive and now its affect my son he's mental since he come to hospital seeing me sick he's 22 years ,so my wish is to get a fund and helping people who living with HIV I have full registered company but because of not having backup I'm struggling cause I'm a single mother whose nor working and my wish is to help people around the Africa who struggling with this symptoms

Ranjith 11/11/2018 at 4:48 pm

My name is ranjith Andrew I am a indian I my wife HIV positive. Persons 10year I am very poor please help me money

Uncle d 01/03/2018 at 11:13 am

I'm a male youth aged 33yrs and HIV positive and my wife and we would like to start a project of sensitising the youths both in school's,colleges, and universities and rural areas on HIV and AIDS and hv most of them come out for testing and knowing there Status so that we combat the epidemic .

VIJJI 07/12/2016 at 6:16 am

I know one family who is suffering from HIV due to the blood transmit fault occur during her delivery, befire delivery she is having -ve. due to the fault of doctor that lady suffering frm hiv and it is connected to entire family. can you help such family by giving certain funds

Seabelo 22/07/2016 at 10:53 am

I am a person living with positively and openly with HIV for years now. I need information on how to acces funding for suppoert groups of people living with HIV.I am a sector representative in seven regions of Tshwane and its hundred and five wards. i need to empower PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV in my communities to strt their own cooperatives to reduce the vulnerability if HIV,especially in women .

Nyari 18/07/2016 at 6:30 am

Stigma, Prejudices, indirect /direct discrimination at work, bussineses, local authorities. Funding for HIV projects, loosing a job because of HIV status not being promoted because of HIV, discrimination by other regulatory bodies etc CQC delayed to open a bussiness. Not enough support or excluded. Black mailed because of HIV status

GrantsExpert Editor 04/11/2015 at 12:12 pm

Unfortunately an employer can dismiss an employee if they are no well enough to do their job but they must follow the appropriate procedure (written in the employee handbook). The Equality Act includes HIV as a condition against which an employer cannot discriminate, so she may be able to take action against the employer if she has been unfairly dismissed.

Lebohang 03/11/2015 at 10:20 am

Hi my motther just found out that she is HIV positive. She is still in hospital, she cannot do anything and its been a month now. She just lost her job for not working for the past few weeks and they are not compesanting her. What must we do?

ayyan 16/10/2015 at 5:06 pm

Many peoples in our district East Godavari and in Agency area having no awareness on Aids and HIV. So that we are planning to aware the children and people from their School level. Itself so we are selecting some Z.P School and A.P.S.W Schools and we go for awareness programs and camps to educate the children. And we are also planning to make an HIV Anti- group. We select some children and conduct some competitions, seminars and workshops and aware them against HIV and Aids.
We are requesting you for the fund needed for our plan and requesting for the addresses of any other organizations who are supporting us.

5 09/08/2015 at 2:58 pm

Ive been hiv+ for most my life ,diagnosed 1988 I'm now 45. I now realise that I'm in serious need of support mentally emotionally physically medically and theraputically.maybe too little too late. I'm not convinced but. There's so much I truly believe in my own experience that I could share wiv others and also listen too others and I'm always true .my life is so lonesome as I have a deep desire to be myself caring sincere and open minded .naturally kind anyone out there feel a bit like me. Would be a pleasure to see.

skinny 29/07/2015 at 9:23 am

i am HIV postive and am on medication.i have written a small project to educate the youth and children on HIV/AIDS i wish to get a grant to start off. thanks

GrantsExpert Editor 30/04/2015 at 12:03 pm

@robbie. Make sure you are getting all the relevant benefits you might be eligible for using the Turn 2 Us website where you'll also find a list of different grants available.

Robbie 25/04/2015 at 10:13 am

Hi. I have been living with hiv for 4years & not had any help from the government or job funds. I have even applied for loan with the job centre but has been unsuccessful. I had moved in my house with all second hand thing but 5 years later most thinks was on there last legs! If someone could give me more information on loans & grants as I'm out of work at the moment & find it hard to regain my confidence. I contacted John house trust but was only entitled to £100 one off 3years ago. I have nothing & having to wash my clothes & a friends house. Now I'm in arries with a lot of my gas & energy bills. Also have to eat day by day as I have no fridge freezer. Please help. Many thanks Robbie

BW1969 28/02/2014 at 12:02 pm

I have been HIV positive for since 1996, and currently on HAART.
I have lost my job, I think because my employer found out, I need to buy a truck to market and distribute fruits and vegetables. the bank wants me to contibute 10 000 pounds so I can get a loan to buy the truck i need for the enterprise. Someone help me so I can supply affected peple with good nutritiuos fruits and vegetables at a good pirice and feed my family.
HIV is not a death sentence anymore and I have to do a job or business that will keep me going for the next 30 years. somebody pllease help

Jman 03/12/2013 at 7:30 pm

I have been living with Hiv for a long time and i have never applied for any grant towards my condition. I do not know where to start from as i am finding it difficult without a job. My confidence has been very low, please could you please give me more information.

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