AIDS Trust Fund gets R195 000

The Orphans of AIDS Trust Fund has started 2003 on a high note, with R195 000 being made available to an organisation looking after orphans of AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal. The Trust received the money from the Grintek Group for funding to a community-based organisation. It will be awarded to a single organisation and disbursed over a three-year period.

Chairman of the Orphans of AIDS Trust, Graeme King, said the grant was aimed at enhancing or upgrading the activities, structure or skills of a (non-profit) organisation looking after the needs of orphans of AIDS. The applications will be carefully scrutinised to ensure that the money is awarded to a worthy cause.

The criteria for award include that the organisation provides a service to orphans and/or their caregivers, be registered with the Department of Social Development and have sufficient capacity to administer the grant. Shortlisted organisations will undergo a forensic audit by accounting firm KPMG.

South Africa and other SADC countries are facing a bleak future, with nine countries having more than 10% of their population living with HIV/AIDS. According to the Institute for Security Studies, five million children and adults are living with the Virus in South Africa. It was against this backdrop that the Orphans of AIDS Trust was initiated by Independent Newspapers, the KZN Department of Health, Edison Health and the European Union Consular Corps.

Applicants for the grant have until Wednesday 5 March 2003 to submit completed forms. Forms can be obtained from Soraya Khan at the Orphans of AIDS Trust (Telephone 031 308 2160). Applications must be submitted to:
Orphans of AIDS Trust
c/o Independent Newspapers
P O Box 47549
Greyville
Durban 4023