Philly AIDS Thrift recently announced its donation of $180,000 in grant funding to 20 local organizations for the 2017-18 grant cycle.
The grants are awarded to help fund the continuing work of fighting HIV/AIDS in the Delaware Valley.
“We are thankful that our contributions have made a profound impact on the LGBTQ and Greater Philadelphia communities,” said Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou, manager and co-founder of PAT.
The Philly AIDS Thrift board of directors and grant committee has awarded grants since 2014 to support advocacy and prevention efforts, as requested by organizations on the front lines of HIV/AIDS.
The grants range from $1,500 to $10,000 based on the needs of each organization. The average award is $5,000.
“We are so happy to be able to provide funds for these various organizations helping in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Kallas-Saritsoglou. “These organizations are making great strides in preventative methods and overall assistance of those affected by HIV/AIDS. We are grateful that our contribution to the fight can help improve the lives of so many people.”
Philly AIDS Thrift is a nonprofit thrift store benefiting HIV/AIDS-service organizations. The first small shop was opened on Bainbridge Street in 2005 and expanded to an additional warehouse space in 2007. By 2011, PAT had moved to Fifth Street and opened a second location in 2014. Both stores are operated with support from volunteers and item donations from the public.
“Thanks to the support from Philly AIDS Thrift, AccessMatters has been able to host a series of baby showers called SheMatters for new moms living with HIV,” said AccessMatters President and CEO Melissa Weiler Gerber.
“The showers provide them with gifts of new baby supplies and create a sense of community with other HIV-positive women who are entering motherhood. While progress has been made, there is still fear associated with disclosing one’s HIV status, especially as a new mom.”
The funding for these showers allows new moms to know they are not alone, Gerber added.
“They have peers and supportive organizations like AccessMatters and PAT who are invested in them as individuals and as parents. We are grateful for this funding from Philly AIDS Thrift that allows us to provide this supportive service in the community.”
MANNA, a nonprofit organization that provides meals to those with life-threatening illnesses, also has benefited from the grant donations.
“MANNA is honored to be a longtime recipient of funding from Philly AIDS Thrift and we are grateful to be part of an incredibly supportive community of HIV/AIDS-focused organizations in Philadelphia,” said MANNA CEO Sue Daugherty. “This funding helps to deliver medically tailored meals to individuals living with HIV/AIDS in greater Philadelphia and to continue our work towards ensuring that food as medicine is accessible to all.”
Organizations awarded with grant funding must be a nonprofits or sponsored by nonprofits. Additionally, they’re required to provide direct services to adults and children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Additionally, organizations must be located in the Delaware Valley, including: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, and Camden, Gloucester and Burlington counties in New Jersey. New Castle County in Delaware is also included.
This year, Philly AIDS Thrift awarded more than double in funding compared to last year’s total of $73,000.
Other grant winners are Action Wellness, AIDS Delaware, AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, The Attic Youth Center, Bebashi Transition to Hope, Camp Dreamcatcher, Comite de Apoyo a los Trabajadores Agricolas, CATA, Drexel University, Family Service of Chester County, Family Service of Montgomery County, GALAEI, LGBT Elder Initiative, MANNA, the Mazzoni Center, Planned Parenthood Keystone, Prevention Point Philadelphia, RHD Morris Home, Siloam and William Way LGBT Community Center.
For more information on Philly AIDS Thrift, visit phillyaidsthrift.com .