Funding Focus - Core Competencies

AIDS Walk Long Beach has raised $2.4 million dollars since 1989 benefiting these agencies.  Over 35 agencies have received funding from AIDS Walk Long Beach since the beginning. 

Our goal is to ensure that what we fund is used in direct services for the community in services, education and prevention of HIV/AIDS.  The Long Beach AIDS Foundation does not fund capital improvements, indirect overhead expense or capacity building projects.  Funds raised are given to these agencies to make real impact on the lives of those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

The Beneficiary Committee and Chair establishes the criteria and objectives for R.F.P. (Request for Proposals) guidelines.  These RFPs are reviewed for compliance and completion of application. 

The Committee then divide up as a group and completes a site visit to the agencies to determine effectiveness of the proposal, ability for the agency to deliver the program to clients, ability to access additional funding to run the program, review any previously funded programs, learn about the staff and administration of the organization, understand the culture of the organization, and determine other factors that are reviewed.

After the Walk, the Beneficiary Committee scores each of the agencies on several criteria including participation in AIDS Walk.  The recommendations of the disbursements are proposed by the Committee and recommendations are sent to the Foundation Board for approval. 

At the post-walk celebration awards, "The Red Ribbon Affair", the disbursement checks will be awarded to each of the approved Beneficiary Agencies.

Our Current Focus, Goals and Programs:

Our Strategic Plans call for strengthening our core programs, improving outreach and focusing on what we do best.  These plans and  initiatives are working with a goal toward deliverable objects including making direct impact on new HIV infections through youth & adolescent HIV awareness programs, the underserved communities of Long Beach and other overlooked communities. 

It also includes eliminating activities and programs during these times that, while meaningful, do not fit into our strategic plans under the conditions of these challenging times. Focusing on our Core Competencies are the integral part of ensuring we are maximizing the effectiveness of our prevention efforts.

Core Competencies: 

• Expand and enhance the Resource Referral Program of the Service Provider Area 8 Network through efficient delivery methods to clients and a community in need.

• Enhance, expand and employ new technologies that reach the youth and adolescent populations through viral social networks, internet applications, youth directed programs through Long Beach Unified School District and the Los Angeles Unified School District, and increase participation through action-advocacy programs like our SpotU program.

• Enhance the AIDS Life Emergency Fund  (ALEF) program that provides emergency "stop gap" funding for basic life necessities. A program that serves to provide a bridge for those living with AIDS that must choose between basic living needs and other vital services. Develop a LifeSkills program that assists clients to manage their lives more effectively and improve their overall health and well-being.

• Provide outreach to under-served, culturally-challenged communities to deliver effective and lasting HIV awareness and prevention programs.  Enhance delivery methods for prevention to a "message-resistant" population.

• Enhance participation, fundraising, and grant-making capabilities of the AIDS Walk Long Beach program

We hope for the day when we will never have to open our doors again. Until then, we work hard to ensure everyone living with HIV and AIDS in Long Beach has access to life enhancing care and prevent its spread. And to prevent those that does have HIV from ever being at risk for contracting HIV or AIDS.

Let's Make Change Happen!

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