Mapplethorpe Foundation Grants: HIV/AIDS Research

Mapplethorpe Foundation Grants: HIV/AIDS Research

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation
Last Updated: February 14, 2026

Summary

The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation Grants focus on HIV/AIDS research funding, supporting scientific studies aimed at treatment and cure, as well as HIV prevention and care programs. Established by Robert Mapplethorpe, the foundation prioritizes proposals from U.S. organizations, especially those in the New York area, that lack support from larger funding sources. The foundation seeks to protect Mapplethorpe's legacy while advancing critical research in the HIV/AIDS field.

Overview

Background Robert Mapplethorpe established the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation on May 27, 1988, the year before his death, to protect his work, to advance his creative vision and to promote the causes he cared about. Serving as the first president of its board of trustees, he established two mandates: to promote photography as an art form in order to achieve its recognition and respect at the same level as painting and sculpture; and to support HIV/AIDS medical research. In keeping with Mapplethorpe's wishes, The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation continues to support photography programming at both major museums as well as small institutions for exhibitions, acquisitions, and publications. The Foundation is dedicated to protecting and expanding Mapplethorpe’s artistic legacy by encouraging museum exhibitions internationally. It publishes books and places his artworks from its considerable inventory in important public and private collections around the world. HIV/AIDS Research The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation provides funding for scientific research directed towards the treatment or cure of AIDS and HIV-related infections. The Foundation also supports qualified HIV prevention and care-related programs. Prior funding of HIV-related work has encompassed the range of clinical HIV research, HIV care and treatment, and funding of equipment and facilities to allow for improved HIV research and care. The Board makes funding decisions in the field of HIV/AIDS research in consultation with qualified outside experts. The Foundation is currently prioritizing proposals for projects benefiting and/or being conducted in the New York area.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Foundation grants funding only to organizations within the United States.

Ineligibility

The Foundation does not give grants directly to individuals.The Foundation does not provide money for social services, health care facilities or equipment, or projects that are not linked to a specific research agenda.