Stephen Lewis Foundation is a 3-star charity with Fair demonstrated impact. It has a B+ Results Reporting grade, which is above average. For every dollar donated to the charity, 71 cents are available to go to the cause, which is within Ci's reasonable range.

Founded in 2003, Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) works with local organizations to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS in 15 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. SLF partners with organizations led by community members. The charity states that Africa is home to 67% of people living with HIV worldwide. In 2022, 4.5 million people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa were not receiving HIV treatment. An additional 1.8 million people were receiving treatment but were not virally suppressed. AIDS is the fourth leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa.

Stephen Lewis Foundation has five main programs: Grandmothers, Orphans/Vulnerable Children, Support for People Living with HIV and AIDS, Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, and LGBTIQ Partners in Pride. SLF spent $6.5m on its programs in F2023. The charity’s most recent annual report is from F2022.

SLF spent 36% of its program costs on its Grandmothers program. Stephen Lewis Foundation’s partners, led by local grandmothers, provide healthcare, grief counselling, parenting assistance, leadership training, income generation, and policy change. 65% of SLF’s partners support economic empowerment. In F2022, SLF partners supported 3,938 grandmothers to be involved in local governance, community awareness, and advocacy initiatives. The charity’s work in climate change adaptation reached 5,019 grandmothers in F2022.

SLF spent 30% of its program costs on Orphans and Vulnerable Children. SLF partners deliver HIV prevention, treatment, and care to help youth stay healthy. Of the estimated 39 million people living with HIV, nearly 3 million are children under 19 years of age. Almost 14 million children under 18 have lost one or both parents to AIDS-related illnesses. In F2022, SLF partners helped 8,732 orphaned and vulnerable children complete primary or secondary education. 65% of children identified as female.

SLF spent 13% of program costs on Support for People Living with HIV and AIDS. SLF partners provide treatment, counselling, and general support to HIV-positive people. 61,163 people accessed voluntary counselling and testing services provided by partners. 60% of which were female.

SLF spent 12% of program costs on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. SLF states that women and girls accounted for 63% of all new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Among adolescents, HIV prevalence is three times higher among girls than boys. SLF partners help females enact their right to take control of their reproductive health, prevent HIV transmission, and live free from violence. In F2022, 155,326 women and adolescent girls were educated about their sexual and reproductive health and rights. The charity’s partners also taught 31,948 people about the importance of educating girls.

SLF spent 9% of program costs on Partners in Pride. SLF states that discrimination against LGBTIQ communities creates challenging barriers to health and social services. Stephen Lewis Foundation’s partners provide healthcare, counselling, and legal and economic support for LGBTIQ communities. In F2022, SLF partners created a centre in the Democratic Republic of Congo for LGBTIQ people to safely meet and learn about HIV, AIDS, and STIs. SLF partners taught 83,718 community leaders and decision-makers about human rights for people living with HIV and LGBTIQ individuals.

Stephen Lewis Foundation received $9.0m in donations in F2023. SLF spent $6.5m on its programs, which is 69% of revenue. The charity recorded a surplus of $246k, which is 3% of revenue.

Administrative costs are 8% of revenue (excluding investment income) and fundraising costs are 21% of donations. For every dollar donated to the charity, 71 cents are available to go to the cause, which is within Ci’s reasonable range.

Stephen Lewis Foundation has $3.1m in reserve funds, of which $215k is donor endowed. Excluding donor-endowed funds, the charity’s reserves can cover 44% or five months of its annual program costs.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to Stephen Lewis Foundation for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on June 21, 2024 by Liam Chapleau.