When the team from a local Athens tech startup showed up at our office last month with laptops in hand, ready to modernize our client database, we witnessed something powerful: what happens when businesses see themselves not just as economic engines, but as vital partners in community health.
For nearly four decades, LiveForward has relied on more than government grants and individual donations. Local businesses—from corner stores to major employers—have been essential partners in our mission to support Northeast Georgians living with HIV. Their contributions go far beyond writing checks, though every dollar matters deeply.
More Than Money: The Many Faces of Business Support
Walking the Walk—Literally
Every year, teams from local businesses lace up their sneakers for our annual AIDS Walk. Last year, over 30 businesses formed walking teams, raising more than $45,000 while sending a powerful message: HIV is a community concern, not a hidden shame.
When employees from major Athens employers walk proudly in LiveForward t-shirts, they normalize HIV awareness in workplaces across our region. “Having my company participate in the AIDS Walk changed everything,” shared Marcus, a LiveForward client. “Suddenly, I knew if I ever disclosed my status at work, I wouldn’t be alone.”
Tech for Good
In our increasingly digital world, technology gaps can be life-threatening for nonprofits serving vulnerable populations. That’s where our tech-savvy business partners step in:
- Database Development: Local IT firms have donated thousands of hours building secure, HIPAA-compliant systems to track client services
- Website Maintenance: Web design companies ensure our online presence remains accessible and informative
- Digital Training: Tech volunteers teach clients digital literacy, helping them access telehealth and online resources
- Equipment Donations: Businesses upgrade our computers, ensuring staff can efficiently serve clients
One software company even created a custom app helping clients track medication schedules—a literal lifesaver for those managing complex treatment regimens.
Sponsorship That Sparks Conversation
When businesses sponsor our events and awareness campaigns, they do more than provide funding—they lend their credibility to our cause. A respected local business putting their logo on AIDS awareness materials tells the community: “This matters to us, and it should matter to you.”
Restaurant sponsorships of our support group dinners, retail stores hosting testing events, and professional services firms underwriting educational materials—each partnership chips away at stigma while providing crucial resources.
The Volunteer Force Multiplier
Business volunteers bring specialized skills we couldn’t otherwise afford:
- Accountants ensuring financial transparency during tax season
- Marketing professionals crafting awareness campaigns
- HR specialists helping clients with job applications
- Lawyers providing pro bono services for discrimination cases
- Construction crews maintaining our client housing units
When a local construction company sends a crew to repair a client’s home, they’re not just fixing a roof—they’re ensuring someone can maintain stable housing crucial for medication adherence.
The Ripple Effect: Why Business Partnerships Transform Communities
Economic Stability Strengthens Health Outcomes
When businesses hire LiveForward clients or support our employment programs, they create economic stability that directly improves health outcomes. Employed clients are 73% more likely to maintain undetectable viral loads, meaning they cannot transmit HIV to others. Every job created is a step toward ending the epidemic.
Visibility Breaks Down Barriers
Business involvement makes HIV support visible and acceptable. When the local bank has a LiveForward donation jar at every teller window, when the grocery store rounds up purchases for our programs, when the car dealership sponsors our mobile testing unit—HIV moves from shadows to mainstream community concern.
Innovation Through Cross-Sector Collaboration
Businesses bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. A logistics company helped us redesign our mobile testing routes, increasing efficiency by 40%. A data analytics firm identified service gaps we hadn’t noticed. These partnerships make us better at what we do.
Success Stories: Partnerships in Action
The Coffee Shop Collective: Five local coffee shops dedicate one day monthly to LiveForward, donating 20% of proceeds. Beyond the $30,000 raised annually, these “LiveForward Days” spark hundreds of conversations about HIV awareness.
The Tech Transformation: When a local software company learned our case management system was outdated, they didn’t just write a check—they assigned a team to build us a custom solution. The new system saves staff 10 hours weekly, time now spent directly serving clients.
The Warehouse Win: A distribution company provides free warehouse space for our food pantry and clothing closet, saving us $24,000 annually in rent—funds redirected to client services.
How Your Business Can Make a Difference
Financial Support
- Workplace Giving: Join Georgia Shares or implement payroll deduction programs
- Matching Gifts: Double employee contributions through corporate matching
- Event Sponsorship: Support our AIDS Walk, awareness campaigns, or educational programs
- Annual Partnerships: Commit to sustained support enabling long-term planning
In-Kind Contributions
- Professional Services: Offer your expertise pro bono
- Product Donations: From office supplies to client care packages
- Space Sharing: Meeting rooms for support groups or storage for supplies
- Equipment: Computers, phones, or specialized equipment
People Power
- Team Volunteering: Organize group volunteer days
- Skills-Based Volunteering: Share professional expertise
- Board Service: Provide governance and strategic planning support
- Awareness Ambassadors: Educate employees and customers about HIV
Advocacy and Awareness
- Workplace Education: Host HIV awareness training
- Policy Leadership: Implement inclusive, non-discriminatory policies
- Public Support: Use your platform to reduce stigma
- Customer Engagement: Create giving opportunities for customers
The Bottom Line: Investing in Community Health
When businesses support LiveForward, they’re not just being charitable—they’re investing in a healthier, more productive community. Employees living with HIV who receive stable housing and support miss fewer work days. Communities with lower HIV transmission rates have reduced healthcare costs. Businesses that embrace inclusion attract top talent and customer loyalty.
More importantly, business partnerships send a message that reverberates through board rooms and break rooms: HIV is not “someone else’s problem.” It’s a community challenge requiring community solutions.
Join Us: Your Partnership Matters
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a major corporation, your business has something valuable to offer. Technical expertise, financial resources, volunteer hours, or simply the willingness to display our materials—every contribution creates ripples of change.
The businesses already partnering with LiveForward aren’t just sponsors or donors—they’re champions of community health, advocates for dignity, and builders of a Northeast Georgia where everyone thrives regardless of HIV status.
Ready to harness the power of partnership? Together, we can transform HIV from a source of isolation to a rallying point for community connection and care.
Start Your Partnership Today:
- Contact Cassandra Bray: 706-549-3730
- Email: info@liveforward.org
- Visit: 2500 W Broad Street, Suite 300, Athens, GA 30606
- Learn more: liveforward.org/get-involved
