Elton John Aids Foundation joins forces with UK’s only LGBTQ+ national lottery

The Elton John Aids Foundation has joined forces with the UK’s only LGBTQ+ national lottery to help fund HIV-prevention programmes.

The world’s leading independent HIV prevention organisation announced on Thursday (25 September) its plans to partner with the national Rainbow Lottery, which is dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

The UK lottery organisation holds a national raffle each week, with cash prizes of up to £25,000 (close to $34,000). Sixty per cent of the profits go to LGBTQ+ causes. Under the new funding partnership with The Elton John Aids Foundation, 50p of every £1 ticket will go directly towards HIV-prevention programmes.

Elton’s charity, founded in 1992, aims to overcome HIV and LGBTQ+ stigma and discrimination through education and funding campaigns.

Anne Aslett, the charity’s global chief executive, said the new campaign was part of the continued belief that “progress happens when communities come together”, adding: “Joining the Rainbow Lottery gives supporters a fresh and engaging way to advance our mission to end Aids, while strengthening the wider network of LGBTQ+ organisations doing vital work across the UK.”

Rainbow Lottery co-founder Tom Gattos expressed his joy at the partnership, saying: “The foundation’s incredible work and global reputation will help inspire more people to play, support and win, creating an even bigger impact for LGBTQ+ causes nationwide.”

When buying a ticket, players are able to choose which campaign group will benefit. There is a one-in-50 chance of winning a prize, according to the Rainbow Lottery.

Other organisations partnered with the Rainbow Lottery include the National Aids Trust, Not A Phase, Trade Sexual Health and the London Gay Men’s Chorus.

The new partnership comes as HIV prevention is under threat around the world. Reports suggest that a combination of funding cuts by, among others, the US, France and the UK, could result in infections rising by more than 10 million cases by 2030.

A series of “dangerous” budget cuts by the Trump administration for numerous HIV-related research schemes in the US could also have a devastating effect on prevention efforts.

Aslett said in March that it was “critical” for governments around the world to reconsider slashing funding.

“If funding for the global HIV response falls away to the extent this report suggests, millions more people will get sick and health budgets will simply not be able to cope,” she warned.

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