Gilead Foundation Awards $12 Million to Empower Community Health Workers and Expand HIV Prevention Initiatives Across 14 States and the District of Columbia
– Grants to Strengthen Prevention Models and Local Systems of Care Nationwide –
FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Gilead Foundation today announced a $12 million investment in 33 community‑based organizations across 14 states and the District of Columbia through its Community Health Worker (CHW) Comprehensive HIV Prevention Initiative. This two‑year effort expands CHW‑led prevention models that strengthen knowledge, care navigation, and access to services for communities disproportionately affected by HIV.
“Community health workers are often the first and most trusted point of connection for people seeking information, support and care,” said Keeley Cain Wettan, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Legal and Compliance at Gilead Sciences and a Board Member of Gilead Foundation. “Advancing HIV prevention requires both medical innovation and strong, community-led systems that address the social and structural barriers people face every day. By investing in community-based organizations, we’re helping expand access to trusted information, screenings, and culturally responsive care that can drive more equitable health outcomes.”
The initiative also strengthens organizational infrastructure and CHW training systems to build sustainable, locally driven HIV‑prevention networks. It prioritizes communities most impacted by HIV—including Black and Latino communities who have sex with men (MSM); cisgender and transgender women; people who inject drugs; and youth—by delivering tailored education and prevention services.
The 33 recipient organizations represent a diverse range of communities facing ongoing HIV prevention challenges. Awardees demonstrate strong community trust, thoughtful program design, and clear plans for measurable impact. Many will use culturally aligned approaches such as promotores models, support, and navigation services within Latino communities, along with peer ambassadors and youth‑focused programming.
Philadelphia‑based grantee Bebashi – Transition to Hope, which works to advance health equity in the communities it serves, shared its enthusiasm for the initiative. “Bebashi is ecstatic to receive this grant from Gilead Foundation which will strengthen our efforts through the Community Health Worker Initiative,” said Frank Franklin, Ph.D., J.D., M.P.H., FCPP, Chief of Strategic Initiatives. “Community health worker professionals complement Bebashi’s mission of community responsiveness and holistic support.”
Over the next two years, funded organizations will work to:
Expand integrated screening for HIV, STIs, mental health, and substance use
Deliver targeted HIV prevention education
Connect people to services, including HIV prevention, harm reduction resources, and other supportive care
Reduce stigma and strengthen community engagement through trusted massagers
Grantee Allies in Hope, a Houston‑based nonprofit providing HIV prevention, testing, and supportive services to communities disproportionately impacted by HIV, emphasized the role of connection in prevention. “When communities are supported, informed, and empowered, pathways to hope become pathways to healing,” said Jeffrey Campbell, Chief Executive Officer. “Our mission to end the HIV epidemic in the greater Houston area will be significantly bolstered through this funding.”
Many programs will also strengthen the community health workforce through peer navigator models, apprenticeships, pharmacy‑based training, and community health integration across care settings, building long‑term capacity beyond the grant period.
