Supporting LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS Organizations Across the Delaware Valley

In a milestone moment for Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS communities, Philly AIDS Thrift has awarded $358,085 in grants to 34 non-profit organizations for the 2025 funding cycle. This year’s grant distribution also marks an extraordinary achievement—more than $5 million in total donations since the organization’s inception.

“This is by far my favorite moment of the entire year!” said Michael Byrne, Board President of Philly AIDS Thrift. “These grants have a profound impact on programs working tirelessly to support individuals and communities affected by HIV/AIDS across the Delaware Valley.”

A Legacy of Giving

Since 2005, Philly AIDS Thrift has transformed donated clothing, furniture, books, and collectibles into crucial funding for local HIV/AIDS service organizations. In 2014, they expanded their mission by taking over Giovanni’s Room, the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ and feminist bookstore, ensuring its survival as a hub for queer literature and culture.

In 2015, they further cemented their commitment to public health by launching an HIV testing center inside their store, offering free, drop-in rapid testing in partnership with local organizations.

Funding Life-Saving Programs

The 2025 grant recipients represent a diverse array of services, from HIV prevention and education to mental health support, housing assistance, and gender-affirming resources. Some of the highlighted programs include:

🏳️‍🌈 The Attic Youth Center As Philadelphia’s only organization exclusively serving LGBTQ+ youth, The Attic provides mental health counseling, HIV care linkage, and workforce development. The grant will help continue essential services for queer youth facing housing insecurity, poverty, and social stigma.

🖤 Bebashi – Transition to Hope Founded as the first African American-led HIV/AIDS service organization in the U.S., Bebashi empowers Black and Brown communities through culturally sensitive healthcare. Their HYPE Program provides HIV testing, PrEP access, and holistic support for LGBTQ+ individuals, while the TransNecessities Closet offers gender-affirming items like wigs, binders, and clothing.

✊ Galaei Rooted in radical love and advocacy, Galaei serves the QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community. This year’s grant will help fund their transitional housing project for people living with HIV, particularly trans and BIPOC individuals who face systemic housing barriers.

🩷 Prevention Meets Fashion Using fashion and creativity to address sexual and reproductive health disparities, this nonprofit will launch a Women’s History Month HIV and AIDS Education Series, focusing on HIV prevention for Black women, trans women, and gender-expansive individuals.

Beyond Grants: The Community Impact

The grants awarded this year will support 34 organizations, including Planned Parenthood, Mazzoni Center, The COLOURS Organization, and William Way LGBT Community Center. These funds will directly improve HIV prevention, sexual health education, food security, mental wellness, and advocacy efforts across Philadelphia and beyond.

Christina Kallas-Saritsoglou, Executive Director and Co-founder of Philly AIDS Thrift, emphasized the power of community support:

“Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure we can make the biggest difference possible in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. We could not do it without our generous donors and enthusiastic shoppers.”

Celebrating the $5 Million Milestone

To commemorate this historic achievement, Philly AIDS Thrift will host a special grant ceremony reception on February 12th at the William Way LGBT Community Center. This exclusive event will honor the incredible contributions of this year’s grant recipients.

For those looking to support the mission, Philly AIDS Thrift accepts donations year-round and invites shoppers to explore their stores filled with vintage treasures, books, and unique finds—all for a cause.

To learn more, visit www.phillyaidsthrift.com.