When governments back away from crises, sometimes it’s the artists who step up. That’s exactly what’s happening right now as music legends Elton John and Brandi Carlile team up to fight back against massive cuts to HIV/AIDS funding—using the power of song and community.
The stakes are high, the voices are loud, and yes, you can be part of the movement.
Why Now? The Alarming Cuts to HIV/AIDS Funding
Earlier this year, the U.S. government officially ended its support for a major USAID initiative that helped fund global HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs. That decision followed other international pullbacks in funding, creating what Elton John has described as a “humanitarian emergency.”
And he’s not exaggerating. According to a recent Lancet HIV study cited by the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), if these funding cuts continue, up to 10.8 million new HIV cases and 2.9 million AIDS-related deaths could occur by 2030. That’s not just a setback—it’s a full-blown crisis.
The Power Duo: Elton John and Brandi Carlile Step In
To combat this, Elton John and Brandi Carlile are launching a new fundraising campaign through their respective charities—the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Looking Out Foundation.
At the heart of it is a creative, heartfelt project: a collaborative album titled Who Believes in Angels?. It’s not just a musical venture; it’s a rallying cry. Carlile, known for her activism as much as her Grammy-winning talent, has called this campaign “a labor of love and a call to action.”
Together, they’re hoping the combination of music and message will reinvigorate public attention—and donations—for HIV/AIDS services that are now at serious risk.
What the Money Will Actually Do
Funds raised from the Who Believes in Angels? campaign will go directly toward:
- Reopening closed clinics in regions hit hardest by funding cuts
- Restoring access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for vulnerable populations
- Rebuilding prevention programs and safe spaces, particularly for LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities
- Supporting rapid emergency responses through the EJAF’s Rocket Fund
In other words, your donation won’t vanish into a black hole of bureaucracy. It’s targeted help, urgently needed, and transparently managed.
Why This Matters (Hint: It’s Not Just About Charity)
If you think HIV/AIDS is a crisis of the past, think again. While the U.S. has made huge strides, millions of people—especially in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia—still face daily barriers to prevention and treatment. These are solvable problems, but only if the resources are there.
How You Can Help
Whether you’re a die-hard Elton fan, a Brandi Carlile stan, or just a human who cares—there’s a way for you to get involved:
- Donate directly at the Looking Out Foundation or Elton John AIDS Foundation websites.
- Buy or stream the album Who Believes in Angels?. It’s beautiful music with a purpose.
- Share the message on social media using hashtags like #WhoBelievesInAngels and #EndAIDS
- Host a fundraiser—virtual concerts, listening parties, or even bake sales can all make a difference.
Final Thoughts
In a time when so many causes are crying out for attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But this one? It’s concrete. It’s solvable. And it has some serious star power behind it.
So if you’re wondering what you can do in the face of global backsliding, start here. Turn up the volume. Open your wallet if you can. And remind the world that music, when wielded with purpose, can do more than inspire. It can save lives.
