Chicago AIDS foundation awards $1.2 million in grants

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago last week awarded $1.2 million in grants to 55 agencies in the metro area that provide HIV prevention and treatment services, the Chicago Tribune reports. Most groups received about $15,000 from the foundation. Mark Ishaug, executive director of the foundation, said many of the programs receiving money target groups particularly at risk for HIV infection, including minorities and young gay men. "One of the great things about our private grant-making program is that it allows agencies to do innovative programs that are often not funded or fundable under government guidelines," he told the Tribune. "Some of the activities and programs might be considered more controversial, but we believe that they will really stem the spread of HIV."