Founder Georgia Arnold on a field trip in Manila
History
How It All Started
The Staying Alive Foundation was conceived in 2004. We had, at this point, already been running the Staying Alive Campaign for over six years – and although we were doing amazing work on a large scale using the world’s media, what we really wanted to do was connect with young people on a grass-roots level.
We had produced a few documentaries for the campaign – and during filming we would always meet the most amazing and inspiring young people. One particular young man stood out – he was from Uganda – and he was making it his life’s mission to raise awareness of HIV in his local area. He had a problem though… he would produce all of his awareness literature by hand. Working during the night – and having no electricity, meant he would work by candle light. It came to the point where he couldn’t work as much as he wanted to, as he couldn’t afford candles…
We thought, if we could give this guy, who wants to work so hard, just a small amount of money – then he could continue in his fight…
And so it became the Foundation’s plan to help young individuals and groups who were actively doing their upmost in the fight against HIV in their own communities. We wanted to assist those that were operating on a small scale, but whose ambition it was to make a big difference. We made a point of giving out small grants, knowing that a little is sometimes all people need in order to really get something off the ground. We continue to do this – never giving out more than $12,000.
We have, and continue to form strong relationships with each individual or group that we fund. Our grant Director, Sara, speaks to each grantee at least once a month. This earns trust and solidifies relationships. It’s great for us to know what they’re working on – and it’s great for them to know that we’re here to support them.
By the end of this year, the Foundation will have funded over 130 independent projects and given out almost one million dollars.
We can continue to do what we do thanks to our generous partners. Special thanks goes to the Body Shop – who have earned the Foundation over $1.5m over the last two years.
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Comments
by Ajahmek Fitz-Henley on May 03 2010, 13:34 GMT
Your programme '48Fest' I think is a great iniative it not only helps to spread the awareness of HIV and AIDS but it also helps the those participating in the project to maybe become future film makers etc . ..