Stephen Lewis Foundation

Since 2003, the Stephen Lewis Foundation has challenged traditional power structures in international development and philanthropy by shifting resources into the hands of local communities. The HIV epidemic remains a public health emergency in sub-Saharan Africa fuelled by racism, gender inequality, and colonialism. Committed to community-led solutions, we provide funding and allyship to local organizations who are restoring hope, reclaiming human rights, fighting injustice, and saving lives.

Through the Partners in Pride Campaign, the SLF supports 14 LGBTIQ organizations and their leaders, who live in environments characterized by violent homophobia, legally entrenched discrimination, and political and social persecution. Your support assists these organizations, which are lifelines for LGBTIQ communities, directly supporting the vital services they provide, including health care, mental health supports, social supports, and legal counsel.

Vision

An equitable and just world where all people’s right to health is realized.

Mission

We deliver funds and other resources directly to community-led organizations who are leading responses to HIV and AIDS in countries across sub-Saharan Africa. These organizations empower women and girls, grandmothers, orphaned and vulnerable children, LGBTIQ communities, and people living with HIV.

We advocate for global health and philanthropic communities to engage in partnering, fundraising, and international development that shifts power to community-led organizations and dismantles the inequalities driving the HIV epidemic.

Values

The Stephen Lewis Foundation is a feminist organization rooted in the principles of anti-colonialism and anti-racism. Our values reflect how these principles are expressed in our work, and in our relationships with partners, donors, and supporters.

Solidarity
We are united with all who pursue justice in the HIV movement, including our African community-led partners whose expertise is critical to ending the epidemic, and with other justice-seeking movements working for a more equitable world.

Optimism
We celebrate the generosity and purpose that drives our work and the joy of its impact.

Anti-oppression
We recognize the existence of systemic oppression, including the criminalization of people living with HIV and those within LGBTIQ communities, and work toward the liberation, freedom, and realization of the rights of all people. We honour people's lived experiences and unique identities.

Courage
We are defiant in the face of inequitable power structures and bring creativity, vulnerability, and strength to our work.

Respect
We value contributions from our partners, supporters, and each other, and actively cultivate relationships of mutual trust.

Accountability
We meet our responsibilities, are transparent in our actions, and commit to ongoing learning and self-reflection.