International Harm Reduction Development (IHRD)

A Joint program of The Lindesmith Center and Network Public Health Programs
Open Society Institute

 Call for Grant Proposals for HIV Prevention in Prisons, Jails and Detention Centers in countries of Eastern and Central Europe and the former Soviet Union

HIV spreads rapidly within the walls of prisons, jails and detention centers.  Drug users, HIV positive persons and others with compromised immune systems are at heightened risk of contracting and transmitting tuberculosis and other deadly illnesses.  As HIV and tuberculosis are among the preeminent health risks emerging in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, the International Harm Reduction Development program of Open Society Institute is making funds available to implement needed HIV prevention activities in prisons, jails and detention centers.   It is hoped that these projects will save lives, and provide models of HIV prevention applicable throughout the region.

Programs capable of implementing those portions of the 1993 WHO Guidelines for HIV Infection and AIDS in Prisons that are related to HIV prevention among drug users, are encouraged to apply to IHRD in order to support pilot programs or on-going initiatives.  Grants are not limited to the following content areas, but among initiatives IHRD hopes to fund are:

·         Narcotic replacement therapy for opiate addicted prisoners or detainees, such as methadone maintenance;

·         HIV prevention education of prison staff, prisoners or detainees;

·         Syringe and needle exchange or distribution among  prisoners, detainees or staff.

 The broader WHO guidelines are attached in electronic format (WHO Guidelines) or available from this office and UNAIDS (www.unaids.org).

IHRD projects spending up to 300,000 USD on projects for HIV prevention in prisons, jails and detention centers.  Grant budget requests may range from 5,000 to 150,000 USD.  Preference will not be given to smaller or larger initiatives, but those that are most likely to meet the goals of HIV prevention among a distinct population of incarcerated individuals.

Please clearly articulate your goals and activities, present a carefully designed budget, and share with us the experience of your organization and your areas of expertise.  The application form is enclosed (HIV Prevention Application Form) or can be obtained from our office.

Preference will be given to the national organizations and institutions from Eastern and Central Europe and the former Soviet Union, but international NGOs will also be considered. Governmental organizations may apply for funding.

Organizations demonstrating significant matching funds or in-kind support will be preferred. Letters of support from justice or prison authorities involved is required.  Duration of the project should not exceed 2 years.

Submit your proposals to: Kasia Malinowska-Sempruch, Director of Program Development, IHRD, Open Society Institute, 400 W.59th Street, New York, NY 10019; (ihrd@sorosny.org).

Application deadlines:  November 22, 1999 and January 15, 2000.  IHRD will award grants after each deadline.