It’s a Code Red situation for many HIV service providers as they lose vital funding under the Trump administration and find themselves targeted in attacks against diversity, equity and inclusion. But help is on the way thanks to two of the biggest names in the history of AIDS advocacy—Elton John and Elizabeth Taylor.

The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) is launching a competitive grant cycle to offer financial assistance to domestic HIV programs in need. Specifically, the grants will be awarded to programs that support transgender HIV services and wellness and those that offer wraparound health services to women and youth. Applications are being accepted until May 31.

“We recognize that many nonprofit organizations and initiatives rely heavily on government funding, and we are committed to helping them navigate these unforeseen challenges. Many HIV service organizations will face unexpected financial hurdles due to the recent policy changes, and it is crucial that we respond swiftly,” said ETAF executive director Cathy Brown in a statement.

Interested organizations are encouraged to read ETAF’s grant policy here and submit a proposal through ETAF’s application portal here.

Meanwhile, Rocket Man Elton John has teamed up with alternative country rocker Brandi Carlile to raise funds for global HIV efforts. Carlile’s Looking Out Foundation is supporting the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s “Who Believes in Angels?” campaign by matching all donations up to $100,000. This means your gift will be doubled—but you must act fast, as the offer ends shortly after midnight Thursday, April 17.

Visit this link on LookingOutFoundation.org for details and an easy-to-fill-out donation form.  

The two music icons are no strangers to working together. They recently released a collaborative album titled Who Believes in Angels? (Watch the video for the single at the top of this article and on YouTube.)

One of the best-known AIDS advocates in the world, John has parlayed his fame and connections to raise HIV funds and awareness for decades. His 2025 Oscar party raised $8.6 million; the annual event has raised over $123 million since 1992. For more about the organization and the rock legend, click #Elton John AIDS Foundation and #Elton John and read “Watch a ‘Flabbergasted’ Elton John Receive a Medal for His HIV Advocacy.”

From the early days of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor was one of the first and most prominent celebrities to speak out for people with AIDS and to raise funds for research and supportive services. She died in 2011 at age 79, but her legacy endures through the annual Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS and other events. Recently, the foundation provided critical support to campaigns around HIV Is Not a Crime Awareness Day, marked each February 28. For more about Taylor and organization, click #Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and #Elizabeth Taylor and read “Remembering Actress and AIDS Activist Elizabeth Taylor.”

To learn more about the emergency situation HIV organizations are in,  click #Federal Funding. There, you’ll see headlines such as “HIV Groups React to Federal Funding Cuts, Mass Layoffs,” “Weathering the Storm of Federal HIV Cuts” and “HIV Activists March in NYC to Protest ‘Death by 1,000 Musk Cuts.’”