The Global Fund, the recipient of (RED) funds, is the world's leading financer of programs to fight AIDS, TB and malaria. Created in 2002, the Global Fund has committed $23 billion to lifesaving programs in 151 countries. In 2003, PEPFAR & The Global Fund started funding free antiretroviral medicine (ARVs) to countries in need.

The Global Fund invests 100% of (RED) dollars in HIV/AIDS programs in Africa.

Global Fund (RED) grants are selected based on a track record of consistently good performance. (RED) money supports grants in Ghana, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia. The Global Fund is a public-private partnership, run by representatives of governments, people living with the diseases, the private sector & civil society. Countries design and implement their own programs that are performance-based: funds are provided only on the basis of proven results.