What Joining Hearts does

Joining Hearts is a 501c3 nonprofit organization (EIN 58-2028181) founded in 1987 in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to raising and distributing funds for HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and housing assistance in the metro Atlanta area. The organization originated as a group of friends raising funds to keep a loved one with HIV/AIDS housed, and has since channeled over $3 million in cumulative grants to local beneficiary organizations. It operates as a 100% all-volunteer entity with no paid staff, governed by a Board of Directors led by President Jerry Henderson and Vice President Jonathan Foulk, with functional directors covering finance, communications, host engagement, patrons, events, volunteers, and marketing.

The organization's core offering is an annual event-based fundraising portfolio. The flagship is the JH 39 weekend in July (Opening Party at The Heretic Atlanta; Main Event at Piedmont Park Greystone and Aquatic Center), supplemented by the Atlanta Santa Speedo Run (Colony Square), Fall Back in Love Atlanta Pride Kick-off, Mx. Joining Hearts Pageant (The Atlanta Eagle), Change of Seasons T-Dance, and a year-end Wish List/Check Presentation Party. Underlying technology is intentionally minimal and operational: Ticketspice for event ticketing, Aplos and GiveButter for donation processing, and VolunteerLocal for volunteer management. No proprietary technology, AI/ML systems, APIs, or mobile applications are operated.

Revenue is generated across five streams: individual monetary and in-kind donations, event ticket sales, multi-tier corporate sponsorships ($500 Bronze through $10,000+ Presenting), recurring patron memberships (six tiers from $350 "1 Heart" to $5,000 "Heart of Diamond"), and Community Partner event hosting fees. Beneficiary selection for 2025 includes AID Atlanta (clinical care, PrEP, housing, GA AIDS and STI Info Line) and Lost N Found Youth (LGBTQ+ youth services). The grant cycle accepts applications from March 1 to October 31, with reviews in November and December notifications, and quarterly reporting requirements post-award.

Name

Joining Hearts

Legal name

Joining Hearts, Inc.

Website

https://joininghearts.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Joining Hearts is a 100% all-volunteer 501c3 nonprofit founded in 1987 in Atlanta that funds HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and housing assistance through annual events, corporate sponsorships, patron memberships, and donations to local beneficiary organizations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

HIV/AIDS Community Nonprofit Fundraising

NAICS

Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Charities & Grantmaking Intermediaries (BPAGAKAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Fundraisers & Charity Events (Gala/Walks excluded) (MPAGAEAK), Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)

Keywords

• Hiv aids fundraising
• Community nonprofit events
• Corporate sponsorship programs
• Patron membership tiers
• Community grant funding

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Personnel

Revenue model

1. Donations: General donations from individuals supporting the organization's mission to fund HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and housing assistance in Atlanta. Accepts both monetary and in-kind donations.
2. Event Ticket Sales: Revenue from selling tickets to annual events including the JH39 Opening Party, JH39 Main Event, Atlanta Santa Speedo Run, and other community events. Events are held at venues like The Heretic Atlanta, Piedmont Park, and Colony Square.
3. Sponsorship Packages: Corporate sponsorships at multiple tiers (Presenting $10,000+, Titanium $7,500+, Platinum $5,000+, Gold $2,500+, Silver $1,000+, Bronze $500+) providing marketing visibility and brand association with the organization's HIV/AIDS community mission.
4. Patron Memberships: Recurring patron memberships at levels from $350 (1 Heart) to $5,000 (Heart of Diamond), with benefits including free event admission, VIP entrance, and public recognition. Monthly payment options available.
5. Community Event Hosting: Third-party community events hosted in partnership with Joining Hearts, where a percentage of sales, admission costs, or other proceeds benefit the organization. Hosts gain access to Joining Hearts' network of over 5,000 social media followers and e-blast audience.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Joining Hearts is a 501c3 nonprofit that raises funds for HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and housing assistance in metro Atlanta through an annual series of signature fundraising events, tiered patron memberships, corporate sponsorship packages, and community partner-hosted benefit events. Funds raised are distributed as grants to local AIDS service organizations, with the organization operating on a 100% all-volunteer basis to maximize the portion of funds reaching beneficiaries.

Product overview

Joining Hearts operates as an annual event-based fundraising organization for HIV/AIDS support in Atlanta. The core offering consists of multiple signature events throughout the year, including the flagship JH 39 Opening Party and Main Event weekend (July), Atlanta Santa Speedo Run (December), and seasonal events. The organization supplements its events with Patron and Sponsorship programs offering tiered benefits, a Community Partner program for event co-hosting, and a Grant program distributing funds to local AIDS service organizations. The portfolio functions as a unified annual fundraising campaign rather than a modular product platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• JH 39 Opening Party Annual opening party event held at The Heretic Atlanta, part of the main JH 39 weekend celebration raising funds for HIV/AIDS care and prevention in Atlanta. Targeted at the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community and supporters of the HIV/AIDS cause.
• JH 39 Main Event Primary annual flagship fundraising event held at Piedmont Park Greystone and Aquatic Center, serving as the signature gathering for the organization's HIV/AIDS awareness and funding efforts. Targeted at the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community and HIV/AIDS supporters.
• Atlanta Santa Speedo Run Annual December themed community run held at Colony Square, engaging participants to raise funds for HIV/AIDS support in Atlanta. Open to general community members and supporters.
• Fall Back in Love Atlanta Pride Kick-off Annual Pride season kick-off event held at The Heretic Atlanta, supporting the organization's community engagement and awareness initiatives. Targeted at the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community during Pride season.
• Mx. Joining Hearts Pageant Annual pageant event held at The Atlanta Eagle, part of the organization's event portfolio supporting HIV/AIDS fundraising. Targeted at the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community.
• Change of Seasons T-Dance / Night Party Seasonal themed dance and night party event held at The Heretic Atlanta, providing entertainment and fundraising opportunities for the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community.
• Patron Program Paid annual membership program offering tiered benefits including free admission to all events, VIP entrances, public banner recognition, and website recognition. Multiple tiers from $350 (1 Heart) to $5,000 (Heart of Diamond) with corresponding VIP ticket allocations. Targeted at individual community supporters of the HIV/AIDS cause.
• Sponsorship Program Corporate sponsorship program offering tiered packages ranging from $500 (Bronze) to $10,000+ (Presenting), providing marketing visibility, brand recognition, and event naming rights (at Presenting tier) for companies supporting the organization's HIV/AIDS mission. Targeted at local and national businesses.
• Grant Program Annual grant program accepting applications from March 1 to October 31, providing financial assistance to local AIDS Services Organizations for HIV/AIDS prevention, care, housing assistance, meals, and transportation services. Grants reviewed in November, recipients notified in December, with quarterly reporting requirements. Targeted at Atlanta-based AIDS service organizations and healthcare providers.
• Community Partner Program Program inviting organizations to host benefit events for Joining Hearts, with promotion through the organization's network of over 5,000 social media followers, e-blasts, and website listings. Targeted at Atlanta-area businesses and community organizations.
• Wish List / Check Presentation Party Annual year-end check presentation party recognizing beneficiary organizations receiving grant funds raised through the year's events. Targeted at patrons, sponsors, board members, and beneficiary organizations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $3 million donated to Atlanta beneficiaries since 1987
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• AID AtlantacoreOthers · 1 January 2025Primary 2025 beneficiary of Joining Hearts grants. AID Atlanta provides clinical care, PrEP, emotional wellness, case management, pharmacy, housing services, and the GA AIDS and STI Info Line. Located at 1438 W Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309.
• Lost N Found YouthcoreOthers · 1 January 2025Primary 2025 beneficiary of Joining Hearts grants. Lost N Found Youth provides services to LGBTQ+ youth in Atlanta.
• MISTRminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPrEP provider offering promotional discount to Joining Hearts supporters. MISTR prescribes PrEP online and delivers it for free. Joining Hearts community members can save $20 with promo code JOININGHEARTS. Services include health review, labs, doctor consult, free delivery, no paperwork, and follow-up.
• Gilead SciencesflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting Sponsor for Joining Hearts events. Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company focused on HIV/AIDS research and treatment. As presenting sponsor, they receive premier brand visibility at all Joining Hearts events.
• Georgia AquariumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Sponsor providing event support. Georgia Aquarium hosts Pride Kickoff events that Joining Hearts participates in.
• X MidtownminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for Joining Hearts events, providing venue and support for community events.
• Tito's VodkaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTitanium Sponsor providing beverage sponsorship for Joining Hearts events.
• The Heretic AtlantacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for JH39 Opening Party, Change of Seasons T-Dance, and Fall Back in Love Atlanta Pride Kick-off events. Provides event space for multiple annual Joining Hearts events.
• Piedmont Park ConservancycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for JH39 Main Event at Piedmont Park Greystone and Aquatic Center. Provides premier outdoor venue for annual signature fundraising event.
• Status:HomeminorOthersCommunity resource partner listed on Joining Hearts website. Provides long-term and temporary housing programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. Located at 2700 Cumberland Pkwy SE STE 220, Atlanta, GA 30339.
• Positive Impact Health CentersminorOthersCommunity resource partner listed on Joining Hearts website. Offers HIV testing and treatment, infection screening, medical care, mental health services, education and training. Locations in Duluth and Decatur, GA.
• Hope AtlantaminorOthersCommunity resource partner listed on Joining Hearts website. Provides reunification, PATH & Street Outreach, homeless prevention & rapid re-housing, supportive housing, Gwinnett County Shelter + Care Program, and HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) Assistance.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Emerging players

• Point Foundation: National LGBTQ+ scholarship and leadership nonprofit that combines fundraising events with grants to scholar-beneficiaries. Comparable structure to Joining Hearts as a grantmaking entity fueled by LGBTQ+ community events and donor programs.
• National AIDS Memorial: National HIV/AIDS nonprofit combining remembrance/awareness events with steward-donor programs. Comparable in mission and event-driven donor engagement, though operates at a national scale vs. Joining Hearts' regional focus.

Regional players

• Georgia Equality: Statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization operating in Georgia with donor, patron, and sponsor programs. Comparable in mission-adjacent scope and Georgia operating geography, though more policy- and advocacy-focused than Joining Hearts' grantmaking focus.

Broad incumbents

• GMHC: One of the oldest HIV/AIDS nonprofits in the U.S., operating direct services, advocacy, and signature fundraising events. While much larger and more service-oriented, GMHC's blend of events, donor cultivation, and HIV/AIDS beneficiary support mirrors Joining Hearts' model.

Direct peers

• San Francisco AIDS Foundation: Long-standing HIV/AIDS nonprofit combining signature fundraising events (AIDS Walk SF), direct service programs, and grantmaking. Closely comparable to Joining Hearts in mission, event-driven fundraising, and grant distribution to local AIDS service organizations.
• AIDS Foundation of Chicago: Regional HIV/AIDS grantmaking and advocacy organization that distributes funds to local service providers and runs community fundraising events. Closely parallels Joining Hearts' grant-plus-event model in a single metro (Atlanta analog: Chicago).
• Atlanta Pride Committee: Atlanta-based community organization running signature LGBTQ+ events (Atlanta Pride Festival) with sponsor tiers and donor engagement. Shares Joining Hearts' Atlanta footprint, event-driven GTM, and corporate sponsor ecosystem in the same local LGBTQ+ community.
• AIDS Walk Atlanta: Atlanta-based community fundraising walk supporting HIV/AIDS service organizations. Directly comparable event-driven fundraising model operating in the same metro and beneficiary pool as Joining Hearts.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/joining-hearts

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Joining Hearts