How long has the AIDS Trust of Australia been raising funds?
We were established in 1987 by the then Governor-General in response to concerns about the developing HIV epidemic. We still enjoy Vice-Regal patronage. Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia is our Patron today.
What does the AIDS Trust of Australia do?
We raise funds nationally and distribute them to state, regional and community organisations – our Members - that deliver awareness, education, prevention, support, care and social research programs relating to HIV/AIDS.
We coordinate national awareness campaigns that link to national, state and territory fundraising initiatives.
We hold annual landmark event the Sydney Food & Wine Fair.
Why does the AIDS Trust of Australia do this?
Our vision and hope is for an Australia free of HIV transmission, where the rights of those already affected are protected and their special needs met.
The reality is somewhat different.
In Australia, the HIV sector has worked hard, long and successfully to guide, guard and care for Australians in all matters relating to both HIV and AIDS.
The work of the sector is diverse; reflecting the social, cultural and economic needs of individual communities throughout the country.
However the virus still exists. There is no cure or vaccine. More and more people live with HIV every day. More people require the services provided by the sector.
As global travel becomes more the norm, the need for HIV awareness and prevention increases. Each generation has its own way of seeing and understanding the world. Each year new at-risk groups in society emerge. The face of HIV changes. Messages relating to HIV/AIDS must be refreshed.
Still, 20 people become newly diagnosed with HIV every week in Australia. 17,700 people are now living with HIV. Half experience difficulty meeting daily living costs. More than a third live below the poverty line.
The HIV sector continues to respond to existing need and address new areas of growing concern, delivering services that actually stop people getting HIV and assisting those living with it.
The need for our funding continues and grows.
What don’t we fund?
Pharmacological and medical research relating to HIV/AIDS is funded by drug companies and medical research bodies. We do not participate in either field. We do not fund projects outside the HIV sector. We do not fund projects in other countries.
Does the AIDS Trust of Australia operate its own HIV related projects?
No. Delivering projects is a specialised and community specific task. Our Members excel in this. They deliver the projects; we raise funds for them to do it.
Can we fund your project?
Possibly. Contact us if your project is HIV/AIDS related. We’ll give you more information.
The Grants Committee of National AIDS Fundraising Limited (NAFL) reviews all applications for funding. We remind you that we are unable to fund projects not directly related to HIV prevention.
What’s NAFL?
NAFL, National AIDS Fundraising Limited, an Australian Company limited by guarantee is the Sole Trustee of the AIDS Trust of Australia.
What does NAFL do?
As Sole Trustee, NAFL manages on behalf of its Members, the activities and operations of the AIDS Trust of Australia.
Who are the Members of NAFL?
HIV knows no boundaries.
Our Members are on the front line, delivering the services for which Australia’s HIV sector is so internationally respected. Here are links to our Members’ websites. Please explore, see what they’re up to, and see how important your contribution really is.
