When the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina became evident, the National AIDS Fund moved to create the Katrina HIV/AIDS Emergency Fund. Since that time, numerous organizations and individuals, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Indiana AIDS Fund, Michigan AIDS Fund and the Colin Higgins Foundation, have pledged support. Together, we are creating a growing pool of resources to support many of the most vulnerable individuals impacted by the hurricane -- people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. This Emergency Fund will also support HIV education and prevention services for those who are at particularly high risk due to the instability in their lives in the aftermath of the hurricane.

We now expect to raise $100,000 for the Emergency Fund by the end of September. 100% of all funds raised will go directly to community-based organizations for the provision of essential services such as the delivery of water and food, housing assistance, medical care, case management, mental health services and other supportive services. At this time, the maximum grant award will be $10,000, although this cap may be flexible for organizations operating in Houston, Texas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and other areas that have absorbed a large number of evacuees. Additionally, as more funds become available, the National AIDS Fund will consider making supplemental awards.

Community-based organizations interested in applying for financial support through the Katrina HIV/AIDS Emergency Fund should complete and submit an on-line application form. The on-line grant application form was recently posted on the National AIDS Fund website. To access this information, go to: www.aidsfund.org/naf/ and click on the "Katrina HIV/AIDS Emergency Fund" blue button to the right. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Agencies must be a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, and funds must be used for the explicit purpose of this Emergency Fund. Inquiries regarding the Emergency Fund or the application process may be directed to katrinafund@aidsfund.org.

The National AIDS Fund wholeheartedly thanks all those organizations and individuals who have pledged support to this fund, and those that are playing a leadership role in their communities to respond to this emergency. Those interested in contributing to the Emergency Fund can do so through the National AIDS Fund website -- www.aidsfund.org.