The Global Fund is an important international health funder that provides grants to eligible countries worldwide to support HIV, TB, and malaria programs. The Global Fund also supports related health systems strengthening, including community health systems.
The Global Fund operates in 3-year cycles, and its new grant cycle, Grant Cycle 8, runs from 2026 – 2028. HIV and TB are priority health issues for the trans and gender diverse community, and malaria is an emerging health issue for our community in some countries. It’s therefore important for trans-led organizations to engage in national Global Fund processes, where country-specific funding and programming decisions are made.
GATE’s Guide to Grant Cycle 8 for the Trans and Gender Diverse Community
To assist trans-led organizations in effectively participating in Grant Cycle 8 processes, GATE has developed a user-friendly guide. It provides practical information on how decisions are made, where engagement is possible and how community-led organizations and activists can ensure that the needs and priorities of trans and gender diverse people are reflected in national funding requests for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and health and community system programs.
Who is the Guide for?
The Guide is aimed at trans and gender diverse community members, activists, advocates, and allies who want to engage with the Global Fund processes in their countries.
- For community members who are new to Global Fund processes, the guide provides an excellent introduction to advocacy entry points at each stage of the grant cycle.
- For those with experience with Global Fund processes, the guide outlines strategic shifts in Grant Cycle 8 and how community-led organizations can adapt their strategies to navigate them.
What’s changed in Grant Cycle 8?
Grant Cycle 8 takes place in a context of limited resources and growing needs. For communities, this means participation must start early, be coordinated, focus on priorities, and be grounded in evidence. International health funding cuts and shrinking civic space make solidarity and collaboration more important. GATE is partnering with global key population networks INPUD, MPACT, and NSWP to keep our communities informed about Grant Cycle 8 processes.
