Our Mission
The mission of the North Carolina Community AIDS Fund is to empower communities to lead the response to the HIV epidemic by increasing individual, community, and statewide capacity to bring an end to HIV in North Carolina.
NCCAF raises funds to provides HIV-focused grants and technical assistance to community-based organizations focused on positively impacting those infected and affected by HIV in North Carolina. Since 2008, NCCAF has awarded over $536,105 in grants to prevention and care organizations in North Carolina.
Our Story
Beginning in 2008, discussions between NC-based foundations and national philanthropic leaders were initiated to bring together funders from across the state to develop a new type of collaboration that would support HIV programs in North Carolina. The Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research at Duke University was selected s the convener of the collaboration. The collective acknowledged that while local initiatives re needed, a statewide approach to HIV will increase the capacity of communities to serve and improve the health of peopling living with, and at risk of contracting HIV across North Carolina. Thus, the North Carolina Community AIDS Fund (NCCAF) was developed.
The NCCAF advisors realized that it was important to increase its profile and financial portfolio and began the process of obtaining its own not-for-profit status. In 2013, NCCAF became its own entity building a formal affiliation with the Triangle Community Foundation. NCCAF continues its close partnership with Duke University’s Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research.
HIV/AIDS in North Carolina
Who bears the weight of this disease in North Carolina?
28,526 North Carolinians are living with HIV infection based on 2014 surveillance information. However, it is estimated that there is approximately 6,500 additional persons who are unaware of their positive status. In 2013, North Carolina ranked 9th in the number of new HIV cases (1,578) reported.
In 2012, the gender distribution of NC (not including Transgender) is approximately 48% Male and 52% Female. Males make up 78.6% of new HIV cases in 2013.
In 2013, the highest newly diagnosed cases of HIV were among Males ages 20-24 and Females ages 25 -29.
How do we use this information to affect change?
North Carolina, along with many other states, local governments, and federal entities have adapted and incorporated the HIV/AIDS Continuum to outline strategic methods to address the growing rates of HIV. When the number of HIV virally suppressed more closely mirrors the number HIV diagnosed, then there will be a true reduction in newly diagnosed cases of HIV. North Carolina is decreasing the gap each year.