The COMPASS Coordinating Centers provide community grants to organizations across the Southern United States to support the development of programs and activities that align with programmatic focus areas of the COMPASS Initiative. Three different funding mechanisms are available through the Coordinating Centers: Core grants, SPARK! grants, and Transformative grants.
Transformative Grants are focused on supporting the development and implementation of programs and activities that address the three programmatic focuses of the COMPASS Initiative®, including organizational capacity building; wellbeing, mental health, trauma-informed care, substance use, and telehealth; and HIV-related stigma reduction. The maximum amount an applicant can request is $100,000 (including overhead).
A brief description of the three Transformative Grant funding areas are listed below. For more detail about the funding areas and award, please review the Request for Proposals (RFP) application.
Funding Area: Building Organizational Capacity
Lead Coordinating Center: Emory University Rollins School of Public Health
This grant will allow applicants to seek funding to support organizational capacity building activities focused on infrastructure development and coalition and network building with non-traditional partners.
Funding Area: Wellbeing, Mental Health, Trauma-Informed Care, Substance Use and Telehealth
Lead Coordinating Center: University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work
This grant will focus on enhancing service provision around wellness, mental health, trauma informed care, substance use (especially opioid use), and telehealth and its intersection with HIV in the Southern United States.
Funding Area: HIV-Related Stigma Reduction
Lead Coordinating Center: Southern AIDS Coalition
This grant will focus on supporting the design, implementation, and evaluation of interventions to reduce HIV-related stigma.
ELIGIBILITY
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Geographic Location | Applicants must be be located in AND provide services in one of nine (9) Deep South states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Texas. |
| Non-Profit Status | Applicants must be non-profit, tax-exempt organizations as set forth in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants that do not hold 501(c)(3) status must have a fiscal sponsor to apply. |
| Grant Period | Applicants must be able to complete work proposed within a 12-month period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on December 31, 2020. |
| Award Amount | The maximum amount an applicant can request is $100,000 (including overhead). |
How to Apply
Transformative Grant applications are currently closed. 2021 applications will open in the fall of 2020.
2020 Transformative Grant Partners
 |
504HealthNet New Orleans, LA // Funded by: University of Houston 504HealthNet’s mission is to improve access to care and to provide support to an integrated and coordinated network of health care providers in the Greater New Orleans region (Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines Parishes) that are working together to achieve shared goals for the delivery of community-based health care that is culturally appropriate across its diverse population. |
 |
A Vision 4 Hope, Inc Atlanta, GA // Funded by: University of Houston The mission of A Vision 4 Hope is to provide a comprehensive safe haven for seniors, youth and members of the LGBTQ community. |
 |
AIDS Leadership Foothills-Area Alliance (ALFA) Hickory, NC // Funded by: Emory University ALFA’s mission is to improve the lives and health of those affected by HIV/AIDS while preventing transmission through education and testing. Our Vision is eliminating stigma and barriers to care to create a future free of HIV. |
 |
Alabama Regional Medical Services Birmingham, AL // Funded by: University of Houston We are a patient-centered medical organization with a patient-centered philosophy that drives primary care excellence. ARMS provides a comprehensive, team-based, coordinated, and accessible healthcare focused on quality and safety. |
 |
Aniz, Inc. Atlanta, GA // Funded by: University of Houston Aniz, Inc.’s mission is to promote emotional and physical wellness by providing mental health, substance use counseling, support services, sexual health education. |
 |
Big Bend Cares, Inc. Tallahassee, FL // Funded by: Emory University Big Bend Cares' Mission statement is to "provide comprehensive support and services to those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Our tagline - AIDS doesn't care who you are, we do, embodies our approach to eliminating stigma and enhancing HIV treatment and care. |
 |
Black AIDS Institute (Black Treatment Advocates Network) Stockbridge, GA // Funded by: Emory University Black AIDS Institute’s mission is to stop the AIDS epidemic in Black communities by engaging and mobilizing Black leaders, institutions, and individuals, in efforts to confront HIV. |
 |
Brotherhood, Inc. New Orleans, LA // Funded by: University of Houston The mission of Brotherhood, Inc. is to develop and implement programs and services that impact the economic, social, and health disparities that exist within underserved and at-risk communities through education, empowerment and enlightenment. |
 |
Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services (CLASS) Alexandria, LA // Funded by: University of Houston The mission of Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services (CLASS) is to improve the quality of life for those infected and affected by HIV; to reduce the risk of HIV transmission; to educate as many people as possible about the spread and prevention of HIV; and to raise community support and awareness of HIV. |
 |
Chattanooga CARES, Inc. dba Cempa Community Care Chattanooga, TN // Funded by: University of Houston Our mission is to champion healthy communities through compassionate and responsive delivery of education, health, social, and advocacy related services. |
 |
Circle of Friends Taskforce Greenville, NC // Funded by: Southern AIDS Coalition We equip and empower POCLWH 50+ with education for personal growth in mentoring individuals newly diagnosed with HIV, re-engage POCLWH lost to care and support POCLWH with health literacy promoting viral load suppression and management of co-morbidities and social issues that impact sustainability of viral load suppression and sustaining viral load suppression and other POCLWH public health leaders to promote the highest level of health and wellness for PLWH population living in rural and underserved communities in North Carolina. |
 |
Delta Health Alliance Leland, MS // Funded by: Emory University The mission of the Delta Health Alliance is to improve the health and education of the men, women, and children who make the Mississippi Delta their home. Delta Health Alliance aims to carry out this mission in three ways. First, we seek to understand the fundamental causes of poor health and lack of educational opportunities in the region through comprehensive research programs and statistical analysis of relevant data. Second, we fund evidence-based programs to increase access to health care and education. Third, we educate residents of the Delta in ways that encourage them to adopt healthy lifestyles. |
 |
Friends For Life Corporation Memphis, TN // Funded by: Southern AIDS Coalition The mission of Friends For Life Corporation is to prevent the spread of HIV and help persons affected by HIV/AIDS live well. |
 |
The Pride Center at Equality Park Ft. Lauderdale, FL // Funded by: Emory University We provide a welcoming, safe space--an inclusive home--that celebrates, nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ+ communities and our friends and neighbors in South Florida. |
 |
Gender Benders Piedmont, SC // Funded by: University of Houston Gender Benders is a grassroots support and advocacy organization for trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people and our allies. Our mission is to create safe and supportive spaces for TGNC individuals by connecting them to resources, providing support, and initiating trans-inclusive community change through social action. We envision a world where every TGNC person has the opportunity to find an affirming community that enables them to live their authentic life with a network of supportive peers. |
 |
He Is Valuable, Inc. Atlanta, GA // Funded by: Emory University The mission of He Is Valuable is provide services, programs/events and initiatives that aim to identify, reinforce and celebrate the value of Black Queer Men and their communities as means to address health disparities and social justices issues including but not limited to HIV/AIDS. He Is Valuable aims to provide and curate high quality programs, services and initiatives that improve the social, political and economic health of Black Queer men. |
 |
Here's to Life, Incorporated Atlanta, GA // Funded by: Emory University The mission of Here’s to Life, Inc. is to eradicate the suffering brought on by the substance use disorders in adults and youth in metropolitan Atlanta by providing individualized addiction and other behavioral health counseling services and education. |
 |
HIGH IMPACTO, Inc. Ft. Lauderdale, FL // Funded by: Southern AIDS Coalition Provide education on the prevention of HIV/AIDS and comprehensive support services to Latinos and other minorities communities those affected by the condition |
 |
HOPE Health and Wellness Center Dallas, TX // Funded by: Emory University Our Health Center's mission is to provide quality, confidential, professional testing and treatment for sexually transmitted disease, access to PrEP, nPEP as well as linkage to care and treatment for HIV. |
 |
Latino Commission on AIDS Durham, NC // Funded by: Emory University The Latino Commission on AIDS public health mission addresses health disparities, spearheads health advocacy, promotes health education, uses national community mobilization models to create awareness, develops and replicates evidence-based programs for people living with HIV/AIDS and high-risk communities, and builds capacity across the public health sector including community-based organizations, health departments, healthcare organizations, and universities. |
 |
Legacy Community Health Houston, TX // Funded by: Southern AIDS Coalition Driving healthy change in our communities. |
 |
Let's BeeHIVE!, Inc. Orlando, FL // Funded by: Southern AIDS Coalition It is our mission to provide innovative HIV/AIDS health education workshops and prevention programs for children and adults to increase HIV awareness, reduce transmission of new HIV infections, and improve therapeutic outcomes among those living with HIV/AIDS. It is our goal to collaborate with schools, healthcare agencies, and other community-based organizations to increase HIV awareness. Through effective outreach strategies and innovative risk reduction classes, we strive to empower at risk populations disproportionately affected with HIV/AIDS to make better choices when engaging in sexual encounters in efforts to reduce transmission of new HIV infections in our community.. |
 |
Louisiana Public Health Institute New Orleans, LA // Funded by: Southern AIDS Coalition Our mission is to align action for health. Our vision is a world where everyone has the opportunity to be healthy. Our attributes are to be responsive, a catalyst, a connector, visionary and purpose driven. |
 |
Mississippi Center for Justice Jackson, MS // Funded by: Southern AIDS Coalition The mission of the Mississippi Center for Justice is to marshal legal resources to reshape the state's institutions, policies, and markets to achieve racial and economic justice, human dignity, and opportunity for all Mississippians. |
 |
My Brother's Keeper, Inc Jackson, MS // Funded by: Emory University NMBK is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)3 public health organization with the mission to enhance the health and well-being of minorities through leadership in public and community health practices, collaborations, and partnerships. |
 |
My Sistah's House Memphis, TN // Funded by: Southern AIDS Coalition My Sistah's House fosters sustainability and security for the most vulnerable of the transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (TLGBQ) communities in Memphis Tennessee, providing emergency housing, advocacy, and multi-pronged resource assistance delivered by and for gender non-conforming (TGNC) people of color. |
 |
NAESM, Inc. Atlanta, GA // Funded by: Emory University The mission of NAESM is to provide national and local leadership to address the myriad health and wellness issues confronted by Black gay men through advocacy, services, and education. |
 |
Partnership to End AIDS Status, Inc. (PEAS, Inc.) Memphis, TN // Funded by: University of Houston The mission of Partnership to End AIDS Status (PEAS, Inc.) is to maximize the effectiveness of service resources to ensure physical, mental, and social equality for all persons residing in the Memphis Transitional Grant Area (TGA) by providing residents with preventative tools to make healthier decisions. |
 |
Positive Wellness Alliance Lexington, NC // Funded by: University of Houston The mission of Positive Wellness Alliance is to provide services and support to people living with and affected by hiv/aids through medical case management, housing, outreach and preventative education in Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Iredell, Rowan, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin Counties. |
 |
Positively Living Knoxville, TN // Funded by: Emory University Our mission is to provide compassionate care to empower, promote, and inspire wellness |
 |
Relationships Unleashed Memphis, TN // Funded by: University of Houston Here at Relationship Unleashed, we are driven by our 3E Core Principles of Education, Empowerment, and Enrichment. Our mission is to fight inequality through monthly comprehensive programming. |
 |
SisterLove, Inc. Atlanta, GA // Funded by: Emory University The mission of SisterLove, Inc. is to eradicate the adverse impact of HIV/AIDS and other reproductive justice health challenges impacting women and their families through education, prevention, support, and human rights advocacy in the United States and around the world. |
 |
Southern Black Policy & Advocacy Network Dallas, TX // Funded by: Emory University The mission of the Southern Black Policy and Advocacy Network is to improve health outcomes and to reduce social, and economic disparities impacting Black communities living in the U.S. South. |
 |
Tampa Hillsborough Action Plan (THAP) Tampa, FL // Funded by: Southern AIDS Coalition To provide result-driven programs that meet the economic, educational, health, housing, and social needs of urban and rural residents who experience challenges in accessing mainstream resources. |
 |
Tennessee Recovery Alliance Knoxville, TN // Funded by: University of Houston Tennessee Recovery Alliance’s mission is to empower people impacted by substance use through a grassroots effort focused on education and direct support. |
 |
THRIVE SS Inc. Atlanta, GA // Funded by: Southern AIDS Coalition THRIVE SS’s mission is to improve health equity for Black gay men living with HIV through direct support, advocacy and building collective power. |
 |
TransInclusive Group Miami, FL // Funded by: Emory University Our mission is to advocate and work collaboratively with community partners in efforts to "Build Trust and Relationships" within the transgender community; by ending discrimination, mistreatment, and racial disparities in healthcare, employment, education and housing. |
 |
University of South Carolina Educational Foundations (PASO) Columbia, SC // Funded by: Emory University PASOs helps build a stronger South Carolina by supporting Latino communities with education, advocacy, and leadership development. |
 |
University of South Florida Research Foundation Tampa, FL // Funded by: Southern AIDS Coalition The University of South Florida supports economic development in the Tampa Bay region and the State of Florida by educating and training students for productive careers, by supporting research and technology transfer, and by providing information and scholarly resources needed by the community. |
 |
Whatsinthemirror? Dallas, TX // Funded by: University of Houston Whatsinthemirror? Is a social movement that provides mental health awareness and suicide prevention to communities of color through art, advocacy, and affirming care with a healing justice framework and focus on women, youth, and LGBTQIA persons. |
About SPARK! Grants: Despite numerous studies, we still have much to learn about HIV-related stigma. Nonetheless, we know that the stigma we experience often results from ignorance, fear-based myths, and a general lack of awareness in our communities. Public marketing campaigns were once an important strategy for changing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors around HIV and AIDS. Unfortunately, these campaigns and other community-level education initiatives are scarce in the Deep South and their messages often do not reflect the landmark scientific advances that have transformed what it means to live with HIV. These campaigns and initiatives are key in removing the veil of shame and fear that has far too long existed around HIV prevention and care.
In response to the absence of such campaigns and education initiatives in the Deep South, the Southern AIDS Coalition introduced SPARK! (Southerners Promoting Awareness, Resources, & Knowledge), a grant program to fund community-led campaigns and education initiatives across the Deep South. With this program, we are turning to you–community-based organizations with the ability to implement grassroots approaches to reach the communities you serve. Funding for SPARK! campaigns range from $2,500 to $25,000, with the amount of funding reflective of the scope of the campaign and cost of planned media platforms.
ELIGIBILITY
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Geographic Location | Applicants must be located in and doing work in one of nine (9) Deep South states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Texas. |
| Non-Profit Status | Applications must be non-profit, tax-exempt organizations as set forth in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants that do not hold 501(c)(3) status must have a fiscal sponsor to apply. |
| Implementation Period | Your campaign should be able to be implemented within six (6) months of approval. |
| Evaluation | Applicants must agree to work with our evaluation partners, if funded, to help measure the impact of the funding support provided. All organizations will also be required to complete a brief organizational survey before funds can be dispersed. |
HOW TO APPLY
SPARK! Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. Applications are accepted via online submission (click on the apply button above) on a rolling basis and are reviewed at the close of each quarter. Applicants will be advised of funding decisions as follows:
| Funding Cycle | Application Deadline | Decision Announcement |
|---|---|---|
| January - March | March 31st at 11:59pm EST | April 30th |
| April - June | June 30th at 11:59pm EST | July 31st |
| July - September | September 30th at 11:59pm EST | October 31st |
| October - December | December 31st at 11:59pm EST | January 31st |
We offer two smaller grants to support organizations: 1) Core and 2) ACTION in the South Grants. Scroll down to see the details for each grant and learn how to apply.
Core Grants
All funds allotted for the 2019 CORE Grant cycle have been distributed. No new applications will be considered for the remainder of 2019. We look forward to considering all new requests beginning February 1, 2020
About Core Grants: These grants provide funding support, up to $4,500 per organization, for a variety of organizational and staff resources, including technology and software, meeting space costs, conference attendance fees, professional development, and continuing education. Funding requests cannot already be covered by your organization’s existing funding sources, and must be related to building organizational capacity in the following areas: governance and leadership; mission, values, and strategy; finance and administration; resource development; strategic relationships and coalition building; communications; internal management and operations; and service delivery and impact.
Three Funding Opportunities: Technology (up to $4,500), Staff Continuing Education Support (up to $3,000), and Community Convening Support (up to $2,000). View the detailed list of descriptions and eligibility here.
ELIGIBILITY
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Non-Profit Status | Applications must be non-profit, tax-exempt organizations as set forth in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants that do not hold 501(c)(3) status must have a fiscal sponsor to apply. |
| Geographic Location | Applicants must be located in and doing work in one of nine (9) Deep South states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Texas. |
| CBO Criteria | Applicants must be Community-Based Organizations that meet at least one (1) of the following: 1) Is an AIDS Service Organization (ASO) OR 2) Is a community-based organization that prioritizes HIV/AIDS prevention or care services, OR 3) Is a community-based organization with a substantial budgetary investment in HIV-related programming. |
| Other Funding | Funding requests should NOT include items currently covered by other funding resources. |
| Leadership Support | Requests must have the support of the applicant organization’s leadership. |
ACTION in the South - Latinx Grant
Applications for ACTION in the South Grants are currently closed for 2019.
About ACTION in the South Grants: The ACTION in the South - Latinx grant opportunity (Act with Communities To Increase Opportunities and address Needs in the South) is a 1-year grant for Latinx-led and/or predominantly Latinx-serving organizations focused on HIV prevention and care in the Deep U.S. South ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. ACTION grant funds should be used to develop and implement an action-oriented project that builds, enhances and/or reframes mental health, promote wellness, and strengthen harm reduction approaches to service provision. The proposed project should be culturally appropriate, multi-lingual (if applicable) and accessible to the Latinx community impacted by HIV.
Sobre el financiamiento de ACTION in the South - Latinx Grant: La oportunidad de financiamiento ACTION in the South - Latinx grant es un financiamiento de 1 año para organizaciones dirigidas por Latinx y/o que predominantemente dan servicio a la comunidad Latinx enfocada en la prevención y atención del VIH en el Sur de los Estados Unidos es entre $5,000 a $20,000. Los fondos de financiamiento de ACTION deben de utilizarse para desarrollar e implementar un proyecto acción orientado, que construya, mejore y/o cambien el estigma de la salud mental, promueva el bienestar y fortalezca los enfoques de reducción de daños para la provisión de servicios. El proyecto propuesto debe ser culturalmente apropiado, multilingüe (si es aplicable) y accesible a la comunidad de Latinx afectada por el VIH.
Eligibility/Elegibilidad
| Criteria/Criterio | Description/Descripción |
|---|---|
| Non-Profit Status/Estatus sin Fines de Lucro | Applications must be non-profit, tax-exempt organizations as set forth in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants that do not hold 501(c)(3) status must have a fiscal sponsor to apply.
Los solicitantes deben ser organizaciones sin fines de lucro y exentas de impuestos, según lo establecido en la sección 501(c)(3) del Código de Impuestos Internos. Los solicitantes que no tienen el estatus 501(c)(3) deben tener un patrocinador fiscal para solicitar. |
| Geographic Location/Ubicación Geográfica | Applicants must be located in and doing work in one of nine (9) Deep South states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Texas.
Los solicitantes deben estar ubicados y haciendo trabajo en uno de los estados de Sur de el país (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Luisiana, Mississippi, Carolina del Norte, Carolina del Sur, Tennessee, Texas). |
| Latinx Criteria/Criterio de Latinx | Organizations should be led by Latinx individuals or the organization should primarily serve Latinx communities. Organizaciones deben de ser dirigidas por Latinx y/o que predominantemente dan servicio a la comunidad Latinx. |
| Content Areas/Áreas de Contenido | Projects must address HIV in the context of one of the following content areas: mental health, wellness, or substance use (particularly harm reduction approaches to services).
Los proyectos deben abordar sobre el VIH en el contexto de una de las siguientes áreas de contenido: salud mental, bienestar o consumo de sustancias (particularmente enfoques de reducción de daños en sus servicios) |
| Implementation Period/Período de Aplicación | Up to one year.
Hasta un año. |
| Evaluation/Evaluación | Applicant must agree to work with our evaluator.
El solicitante debe estar de acuerdo en trabajar con nuestro evaluador. |
