Application Deadline:
29 September 2025
About Organisation
The International AIDS Society (IAS) is the world’s leading independent association of professionals dedicated to the global HIV response. Founded to unite scientists, policymakers, healthcare workers, activists, and communities, IAS works to advance research, shape policy, and strengthen advocacy to end AIDS as a public health threat. The society organizes the world’s largest conferences on HIV and AIDS, creating a vital platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collective action. Beyond conferences, IAS implements impactful initiatives supporting prevention, treatment, care, and human rights, while addressing challenges faced by key populations and vulnerable groups. A cornerstone of its mission is investing in youth leadership, ensuring that the next generation of advocates and researchers are empowered to drive innovation and sustainable change. Through programs like the Youth Hub Seed Grant, IAS recognizes that young people bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and the ability to influence communities. By combining funding, mentorship, and opportunities for global visibility, IAS ensures that youth voices are not only included but are central to shaping the future of the HIV response.
About the Grant
The IAS Youth Hub Seed Grant Programme 2026 provides young leaders with the resources and support to implement innovative, community-based projects that respond to the needs of young people living with or affected by HIV. The program awards up to USD 10,000 in seed funding for a six-month period between April and October 2026. Beyond financial assistance, it offers mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to strengthen project impact and sustainability. Selected grantees—known as Young Leaders—will also receive full support to attend the AIDS 2026 Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where they will join the IAS Young Leaders Programme to showcase their work on an international stage. Projects are expected to be innovative, locally relevant, and designed with measurable outcomes that can create lasting change. The grant is more than funding; it is a comprehensive opportunity that combines leadership development, project implementation, and global exposure. By investing in youth-driven ideas, IAS aims to ensure meaningful youth engagement in the HIV response and strengthen pathways for the next generation of leaders in health and human rights.
Who can Apply?
The IAS Youth Hub Seed Grant Programme 2026 is open to young leaders between the ages of 18 and 30, with preference for applicants under 25. Applicants must be affiliated with a registered host organization working in HIV, sexual and reproductive health, or related fields. The host organization must commit to mentoring the Young Leader, managing project logistics, and administering funds. Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential, prior involvement in HIV or health-related initiatives, and a commitment to advancing meaningful youth engagement. They must also be available to attend the AIDS 2026 Conference in Rio de Janeiro in July 2026. Both the Young Leader and the host organization must be able to communicate and report in English. Proposals should reflect originality, feasibility, and the potential for long-term impact. Importantly, the host organization must provide a formal recommendation letter on official letterhead to confirm mentorship and project oversight. This dual structure ensures accountability while enabling youth to drive the vision, design, and execution of their projects with institutional support.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants must submit a complete application through the IAS online system by the deadline. Submissions include a CV, motivational responses, a project proposal with budget, and a host organization recommendation letter.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is 29 September 2025, 23:59 CEST. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered for review.
Last Date To Apply
