Community-Based HIV/STD/Viral Hepatitis Prevention Services Grant Program

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), through its STD, HIV, and Viral Hepatitis Section, is offering a Request for Grant Applications (RFGA) to support community-based HIV, sexually transmitted disease (STD), and viral hepatitis prevention services across the state. This funding opportunity is supported by federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and aligns with national and state strategies including the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and South Carolina’s Ending the HIV Epidemic Plan. The program is designed to reduce HIV transmission, improve early diagnosis, and strengthen linkage to care and prevention services among high-risk populations. The primary purpose of this grant is to fund community-based organizations to deliver comprehensive prevention services, including HIV testing, linkage to medical care, partner services, and prevention education. The program is structured into three components. Component A, which is required for all applicants, focuses on core HIV, STD, and viral hepatitis prevention programs. Component B, which is optional, supports syphilis screening and linkage to care as well as capacity building and workforce training. Component C, also optional, supports activities aligned with the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, including mobile HIV testing, self-testing programs, and comprehensive PrEP services. Funding must be used strictly for approved prevention-related activities and cannot be used for direct medical care such as ongoing treatment or medication provision. Eligible applicants must be organizations based in South Carolina with a minimum of three years of documented experience providing HIV-related services to high-risk populations or individuals living with HIV. Additional requirements include having trained staff for HIV testing, a valid CLIA waiver, established quality assurance protocols, and the financial capacity to operate on a reimbursement basis. Organizations must also demonstrate fiscal stability, maintain compliance with federal and state regulations, and not be in probationary status with DPH. Applicants must submit required documentation including a Certificate of Good Standing and complete a pre-award risk assessment. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal package, including an Applicant Information Form, cover letter, eligibility documentation, and a detailed narrative addressing organizational capacity, collaboration, program design, and evaluation methods. Applicants must also submit a detailed budget and budget narrative. Applications must be submitted either physically or electronically, with one original and six copies required for physical submissions. Proposals are evaluated by an independent review panel based on defined scoring criteria, including organizational capacity, program design, and collaboration. Funding amounts vary by geographic region and program component, with core prevention awards ranging approximately from $150,000 to $360,000 depending on service area. Additional funding is available for optional components, including smaller awards for syphilis screening and capacity building, as well as larger allocations for mobile testing and PrEP services. The total anticipated annual funding across all components is approximately $2,028,000, though final awards depend on federal funding availability and applicant performance. The application deadline for this funding opportunity was March 16, 2026, at 2:30 PM Eastern Time. Questions were accepted until February 19, 2026, with responses posted by February 24, 2026. Award notifications were expected by April 6, 2026, with the project period beginning June 1, 2026, and continuing for an initial one-year term with the possibility of two additional one-year renewals. The grant is part of a recurring funding cycle tied to ongoing federal support and public health priorities, making it a critical opportunity for organizations committed to reducing HIV and related health disparities in South Carolina.

Align proposal with SC epidemiological data; demonstrate strong partnerships with local health departments; ensure compliance documentation is complete; emphasize measurable outcomes and linkage to care capacity