Title: Faith-Based AIDS Coalition for Technical Assistance and Services (F.A.C.T.S.)
Project Period: September 1, 2005 - August 31, 2008
Project Amount Funded (FY 2005): $278,215
Project Director: Arnold A. J. Johnson

The Faith-Based AIDS Coalition for Technical Assistance and Services (F.A.C.T.S.) project seeks to develop and improve service delivery capacity for 12 faith-based minority-serving organizations. These organizations primarily reach the African American community in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Resource mapping and a needs assessment assist the project in identifying gaps in services within high-need areas. Twelve organizations selected to participate receive a range of technical assistance and capacity building services through the grantee and its partner, the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO) throughout the project period. Organizational needs assessments are conducted with each participating organization and, based on these, bi-monthly trainings are held. As needed, individual trainings and consultations are conducted with LANO with the intent of developing a strategic plan for sustainability. Programmatic assistance includes a certification training for a research-based HIV prevention curriculum at a local university, access to a two-day HIV prevention counseling training, and HIV testing training and certification through the local Office of Public Health. A monthly newsletter entitled, “Know the Facts” includes updates on the project, faith-based community events, and HIV/AIDS awareness/prevention news for participants. An annual week-long retreat is held for participating faith-based organizations to foster educational development. Technology assistance includes the purchase of computers and internet access, in addition to mini-grants to develop technology capacity and proficiency. The project also coordinates grant and fund development training opportunities, such as the annual LANO Grantmaker/Grantseeker Conference. An annual Baton Rouge World AIDS Day Symposium held the second and third years is open to all local faith-based and other minority-serving HIV/AIDS organizations, and includes featured speakers, panel discussions and workshops. A customized local Community Service Resource Directory is intended to assist with the coordination of linkages among project participants.

Click here for a listing of all FY 2005-2007 grantees