amfAR's MSM Initiative Seeks Proposals From Front-Line Groups Working on HIV in Developing...(nd human rights priorities of MSM. Th...),Health

The RFP, application form, application instructions, and additional information about the MSM Initiative can be found at http://www.amfar.org/msm/awards. Individual organizations are eligible for one-year awards of up to US$20,000; networks are eligible for awards of up to $50,000. As the MSM Initiative grows, it will provide more support to a greater number of organizations.

The deadlines for submitting proposals are October 25 for organizations in the Caribbean, November 15 for Southeast Asia (Greater Mekong Subregion), and December 4 for Africa. It is anticipated that the awards will be announced in January 2008. amfAR will issue a second series of RFPs in 2008 for Central and South America, Eastern Europe, Central and East Asia, and China.

Founded by amfAR, the MSM Initiative seeks to curb the spread of HIV among men who have sex with men in the developing world. Data indicate that HIV infection among MSM is widespread and worsening. However, according to UNAIDS, less than one in 20 MSM has access to HIV/AIDS services. MSM groups rarely benefit from international HIV prevention efforts because funding and grants flow primarily through national governments that largely ignore the needs of MSM.

The MSM Initiative coordinates its activities with UNAIDS, the Global Forum on MSM and HIV, and dozens of local and regional organizations. It has received significant financial support from groups including the M.A.C AIDS Fund, Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, Elton John AIDS Foundation, and GlaxoSmithKline's Positive Action program, as well as David Bohnett and Tom Gregory, Luigi Caiola and Sean McGill, James C. Hormel and Timothy Wu, Dr. Mathilde Krim, and more than a dozen other individuals and families.

For questions about the RFP or the application requirements please e-mail msm.awards@amfar.org.