Community-Led Interventions for the Elimination of Vertical Transmission (EVT) of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis.

In partnership with Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) and World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), the International Community of Women living with HIV Eastern Africa (ICWEA) has issued a call for proposals to support community led organizations from Uganda to implement community level SAFEStart+ project interventions under the small grants scheme. The small grants will range from US$ 5,000 – US$10,000 for one year.

Purpose of the Small Grants

The small grants aim to strengthen Community-led responses to EVT by: Strengthening Community Structures, Capacity Development, Demand Generation for Elimination of Vertical Transmission (EVT) Services, Advocacy and Accountability.

Work streams for Technical Proposal Development

Applicants must address at least three (3) of the following workstreams in their application:

1. Strengthening Community Structures: Support community groups/networks, establish or strengthen community platforms and improve community-led data collection (CLM) and reporting;
2. Capacity Development: Train community members and peer advocates, strengthen knowledge on EVT (HIV, Hep B, Syphilis) and Build advocacy and monitoring skills;
3. Demand Generation for EVT Services: Conduct awareness campaigns, promote uptake of antenatal, testing, and treatment services; and address stigma and misinformation;
4. Advocacy and Accountability: Generate evidence and/or use their lived experiences to advance advocacy, and policy engagement to accelerate elimination of vertical transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis in Uganda;
5. Generate and use evidence (CLM) to engage decision-makers; track EVT services availability, access, affordability, and quality; and support dialogue and advocacy with duty bearers;
6. Amplifying Community Voices: Participate in national and sub-national platforms (e.g., CABs), engage stakeholders (Ministry of Health, Global Fund, UNAIDS, etc.); and Influence policy and program decisions

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Community led organizations operating at national or sub-national level, already focusing on EVT, CLM, Maternal and Child health, HIV, Hepatitis B or Syphilis programming.
• Proven track record of community engagement and advocacy within HIV, Hepatitis B or Syphilis programming.
• Experience in conducting Community-led interventions and Community-Capacity-Strengthening initiatives.
• Strong understanding of community resources and a history of managing similar donor-funded programs.
• Demonstrate capacity to design and implement effective community ownership strategies as a core component of their interventions. This should include evidence of how they will engage and strengthen community structures in planning, delivery, and follow-up of activities. Applicants should also show practical mechanisms for community participation, including training, supervision, and linkage of these structures to formal health systems.
• Must be registered (or clearly defined informal structure if applicable).
• Community led organisations operating in priority regions and districts will be prioritised.
• Priority will also be given to organizations led by women, young people, and affected communities.

Deadline:

The Submission shall be one month up to June 30, 2026. Any application submitted after the deadline will be disqualified.  For more information, follow the link to the ICWEA page and download all required material to apply!: 

Call for proposals 2026 – Uganda SAFEStart+ Small Grants for Community Led organisations