Excellence in Care Awards

Excellence in Care Awards

Funder: DIFFA/Chicago (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS/Chicago)

Geographic Scope: Chicagoland area (Chicago and surrounding suburbs)

Mission Alignment: DIFFA Chicago's grant-making tradition supports programs and activities that reflect a unique or innovative approach to addressing the impact of HIV/AIDS in the Chicagoland area and whose programs align with Get To Zero Illinois.

Focus Areas

Grants support agencies and programs across Chicago and surrounding suburbs that focus 100% of their efforts on HIV/AIDS, with particular emphasis on:
• At-Risk Youth (ages 12-21)
• Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), specifically Men of Color
• LGBTQ programs specifically serving the South and West sides of Chicago

Eligible Organizations

• Community-based 501(c)(3) organizations
• Organizations providing direct service, preventive education, and outreach to people who are:
- HIV positive - Living with AIDS - At-risk of infection

What DIFFA Chicago Seeks

• Programs reflecting unique or innovative approaches to HIV/AIDS impact
• Organizations where public support and other philanthropies are not otherwise available
• Grant funds positioned to expand and diversify service program impact
• Proposals that include appropriate and strategic collaboration among agencies
• Chicago agencies providing the best care with dollars having the most impact

Grant Categories

• Chapter Grants
• Foundation Grants

Note: DIFFA Chicago does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. Invitations are sent to organizations to apply.

Grant Cycle

• Issued annually
• Applications available in early summer (next round: early summer 2025)
• Excellence in Care Awards Reception: December of each year (scheduled for December 2, 2025)
• Special grants may be awarded during the year for specific funder, community, or emergency needs
• Grants aligned with fiscal year and World AIDS Day

Contact Information