DIFFA National Grants 333K to Support HIV/AIDS Organizations Across the U.S
DIFFA recognizes 26 grantees combating at annual Grant Reception

New York, NY (November 16, 2015) – Last night, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) recognized and awarded $333,000 to its 2016 grantees at its annual DIFFA National Grant Reception. Hosted on the waterfront venue Current at Chelsea Piers, the event gathered more than 100 community leaders and designers to celebrate 26 grantees who provide treatment and prevention services to those impacted by HIV/AIDS. Over the last year, DIFFA National and its chapters awarded nearly $1 million in grants to organizations across the country

“DIFFA National is proud to support such a dynamic and dedicated group of organizations this year. 2016 has been an exciting year for DIFFA, with record-breaking fundraising events and new initiatives throughout the country. It is because of this success and the support from the design industry that we’re able to grant even more funds to support HIV/AIDS organizations across the country,” said DIFFA Executive Director, Johanna Osburn.

During the reception, the 26 grantees were recognized for their work in their respective communities including critical cities such as New York, Pittsburgh, Tucson and Atlanta. While each organization’s mission and services vary, each provides direct care, prevention, education services or works on policy initiatives that affect individuals living with HIV/AIDS.  The communities served include those disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS including LGBTQ youth, homeless individuals, women, current and formerly incarcerated, veterans, communities of color and immigrants.

The 2016 grantees recognized included:

AIDS Leadership Foothills-Area Alliance (ALFA), Ali Forney Center, Alpha Workshops, Bailey House, BOOM!Health, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, The Correctional Association of New York, The Doe Fund, Equality Federation Institute, GMHC, God’s Love We Deliver, HEAT Program (The Research Foundation for SUNY), Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI), Housing Works, Just Been Tested Foundation, Inc., Jerusalem House, Lantern Community Services, Love Heals, the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education, Peter & Paul Community Services, Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, Planned Parenthood of New York City, Inc., Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE), Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, Trillium Health, Voices of Community Activists and Leaders (VOCAL-NY) and Washington Heights CORNER Project

Throughout the evening guests sipped on specialty cocktails sponsored by Patrón while bidding on exclusive items including one-of-a-kind designs by Robert Verdi, Vanessa DeLeon and Tyler Wisler from the Art Of Patron project. Lucky auction winners took home items from Cynthia Gale, Michael Aram, Kravet, Frette, Hansgrohe and Moooi. The event was sponsored in part by DDC and Interior Design. Proceeds from the reception and auction will help support DIFFA’s grants in the coming year.

“The board, staff and donors at DIFFA National gathered here and across the country are proud to join each organization in the fight against HIV/AIDS.  This work is far from over and we hope to continue to increase our efforts in this fight toward an AIDS-free generation,” said Osburn.

For more information about DIFFA and its 2016 grantees visit diffa.org.

About DIFFA

DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS raises awareness and grants funds to organizations that fight HIV/AIDS by providing treatment and direct care services for people living with or impacted by the disease, offering preventative education programs targeted to populations at risk of infection, or supporting public policy initiatives. DIFFA is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the United States, mobilizing the immense resources and creativity of the design community. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has emerged from a grassroots organization into a national foundation based in New York City with chapters and community partners across the country that, working together, have provided more than $42 million to hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations nationwide. www.diffa.org.

Media Contacts:

DIFFA:
Shanea Phillips
sphillips@diffa.org
6463804195

Novita Communications
Danielle McWilliams/Alexandra Zwicky
Danielle@novitapr.com/alexandra@novitapr.com