The Elton John Aids Foundation
Charity Number: 1017336
Stay updated on changes from The Elton John Aids Foundation and other funders
Get daily notifications about new funding opportunities, deadline changes, and programme updates from UK funders.
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: £16.4 million (2023)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Rolling basis (Robert Key Memorial Fund)
- Grant Range: £10,000 - £300,000+ (varies by program)
- Geographic Focus: Global (UK, Europe, Africa, Asia, Americas)
Contact Details
Website: www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org
Phone: 020 7603 9996
Email: accounts@eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org
Funding enquiries: fundraising@eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org
Overview
Founded in 1992, The Elton John AIDS Foundation (UK charity 1017336) is one of the world's largest private funders of HIV/AIDS programs. In 2023, the Foundation achieved its highest-ever annual grant distribution of over $21 million (£16.4 million), funding 102 innovative programs across four continents through 56 new grants. The Foundation is ranked in the top 10 philanthropic funders of HIV/AIDS grants worldwide, the second largest HIV-related philanthropic funder of LGBTQ+ communities, and the number one philanthropic funder in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Led by Chairman David Furnish and CEO Anne Aslett, the Foundation has raised over $565 million since inception. In 2023, they launched The Rocket Fund, a $125 million campaign to accelerate progress toward ending AIDS.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- Pioneer Grants: Multi-year grants for key population initiatives (no prescribed amount)
- Support Grants: Large-scale impact grants (invitation only)
- Robert Key Memorial Fund: Up to £10,000 for grassroots UK initiatives (rolling applications)
- US-focused grants: $20,000-$100,000 for first-time applicants, up to $300,000 for established organizations
Priority Areas
- HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care services
- Programs serving LGBTQ+ communities, young people, and people who use drugs
- Key populations: men who have sex with men, sex workers, injecting drug users, transgender people
- Mental health integration with HIV services
- Stigma reduction and discrimination elimination
- Global health systems strengthening
What They Don't Fund
- Direct grants to individuals
- Organizations without proper charitable/non-profit status
- Projects not specifically addressing HIV/AIDS or related issues
- General operating costs for unstable organizations
Ready to write a winning application for The Elton John Aids Foundation?
Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.
Governance and Leadership
Board Leadership: David Furnish (Chairman), Anne Aslett (CEO), Tracy Blackwell (Treasurer), Emma Kane (Deputy Chair), and additional trustees including Ajaz Ahmed, Tani Austin, Paul Buccieri, Chris Cooper, Jamie Cooper, Jared Cranney, Mark Dybul, Ilana Kloss, Sandra Lee, Kevin Martinez, and Tom Moore.
Key Quote from David Furnish: "Paul's deep experience and understanding of messaging and the global media ecosystem at the highest level is a tremendous asset to our Board... at such a critical time for the Foundation."
The Foundation values diverse expertise and leadership experience, with board members spanning media, healthcare, business, and advocacy backgrounds.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
- Complete online concept note (speculative email applications not accepted)
- Robert Key Memorial Fund: Rolling applications accepted anytime
- Other programs: Check website for specific application windows
- Existing grantees welcome to reapply
Decision Timeline
- Robert Key Memorial Fund: Rolling basis (no fixed timeline published)
- Other grants: Varies by program (specific timelines not publicly available)
Success Rates
- 2023: 56 new grants approved from applications received (specific success rate not published)
- Significant increase in grant-making: 36 awards in 2023 vs 12 in 2022
Reapplication Policy
Previous grantees are explicitly welcome to apply for additional funding.
Application Success Factors
Foundation's Direct Guidance:
- Organizations must be fiscally stable and viable prior to submission
- Demonstrate immediate, tangible benefits for people living with HIV
- Focus on frontline programs alleviating physical, emotional, or financial hardship
- Target the most disadvantaged and high-risk groups
- Show potential for large-scale impact where applicable
Recent Successful Projects:
- London's world-first HIV social impact bond (partnership model)
- North East London PrEP access pilot (£1 million investment)
- Newham Council PrEP accessibility program
- RADIAN initiative for Eastern Europe and Central Asia
- Breakthrough initiative with Walmart in U.S. South
Key Success Factors:
- Focus on key populations most at risk
- Evidence-based interventions
- Partnership approaches with multiple stakeholders
- Innovation in service delivery
- Clear measurement of outcomes and impact
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Priority Alignment: Target LGBTQ+ communities, young people, and people who use drugs for strongest alignment
- Geographic Strategy: UK applicants should consider Robert Key Memorial Fund for smaller grants (up to £10,000)
- Partnership Approach: Foundation values multi-stakeholder collaborations (as seen in London social impact bond)
- Innovation Focus: Emphasize innovative service delivery methods and technology integration
- Rolling Opportunities: Robert Key Memorial Fund accepts applications year-round with no deadlines
- Scale Considerations: First-time applicants should start with smaller amounts and build relationship
- Evidence Base: Strong emphasis on demonstrable, immediate benefits for target populations
Similar Funders
These funders frequently fund the same charities:
- The Henry Smith Foundation
- Trust for London
- The Waterloo Foundation
- THE 29TH MAY 1961 CHARITY
- The Baring Foundation
- THE FEBRUARY FOUNDATION
- THE CHILDWICK TRUST
- THE SIR JAMES KNOTT TRUST
- P F Charitable Trust
- Robert Luff Foundation Limited
- THE SIMON GIBSON CHARITABLE TRUST
- THE SHEARS FOUNDATION
- PILKINGTON CHARITIES FUND
- The Evan Cornish Foundation
- THE ANNANDALE CHARITABLE TRUST
- National Lottery
- Fast Track Cities
- THE REED FOUNDATION
- SWAROVSKI FOUNDATION
- THE ROGER RAYMOND CHARITABLE TRUST
🎯 You've done the research. Now write an application they can't refuse.
Hinchilla combines funder's specific priorities with your organisation's past successful grants and AI analysis of what reviewers want to see.
Data privacy and security by default
Your organisation's past successful grants and experience
AI analysis of what reviewers want to see
A compelling draft application in 10 minutes instead of 10 hours
References
- Elton John AIDS Foundation official website: https://www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org/
- UK Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/1017336
- Annual Report 2023: https://www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Elton-John-AIDS-Foundation_Annual-Report_2023.pdf
- Funding Opportunities page: https://www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org/funding/
- Robert Key Memorial Fund information: https://eecaplatform.org/en/opportunities/the-elton-john-aids-foundation-s-robert-key-memorial-fund-apply-for-grants-of-up-to-10-000/
- Newham Council grant announcement: https://www.newham.gov.uk/news/article/1489/newham-residents-to-get-easier-access-to-prep-thanks-to-elton-john-aids-foundation-grant