Delta Dental accepting applications for nonprofit grants

Jan. 2—The Delta Dental Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of North Carolina, is seeking applications from community-based oral health nonprofit programs and organizations in North Carolina for its 2024 Smiles for Kids grant program.

The grants will go to organizations that focus on children's oral health, particularly among populations with little or no access to care, said Shannon McSwiney, Delta Dental spokesperson.

Delta Dental Foundation will accept applications through Sunday, Jan. 6, 2024.

In 2023, the Delta Dental Foundation granted $148,728 to 39 North Carolina nonprofits under the Smiles for Kids program, which benefited nearly 78,000 children.

Grant recipients included the High Country Community Health in Boone and the Wilkes Public Health Dental Clinic in Wilkesboro.

"Tooth decay is the most common, chronic childhood disease, and children in North Carolina are three times more likely to miss school due to oral health-related issues," said Curt Ladig, chief executive officer of Delta Dental of North Carolina. "This year, we continue our efforts to reach more counties and help even more children who are lacking in resources receive better access to dental care and oral health education."

During the past 12 years, the foundation has received applications from and granted awards to organizations representing 52% of the counties in North Carolina.

"I would like to see the Smiles for Kids program grow to impact oral health initiatives in all 100 counties in the state," said Ladig.

Upon submission, the foundation will evaluate each application based on factors, such as the program's focus on children, potential impact on the community, measurable results and the level of local community support it attracts.

In considering grants, the Delta Dental Foundation will evaluate each application on its own merits. Of particular interest are programs designed to promote and improve the oral health of underserved or at-risk populations and those which have an oral health education component.

The Delta Dental Foundation considers the programs in which the organization is engaged, the constituencies it serves, the services it offers, its accountability and its fundraising practices, and the level of local community support it attracts.

Although exceptions may be made, in general, grants are not provided for building construction or to cover an organization's normal overhead expenses.

Primary consideration is given to supporting meritorious programs or activities for which other sources of funding are unavailable. Grant recipients may reapply in future years, as long as a report detailing use and impact of the grant monies is provided with the application.

The Smiles for Kids grants program is limited to a maximum of $5,000 per grant.

Grants must be dedicated to local nonprofit programs designed to promote oral health in North Carolina.

Only one proposal per organization per year will be considered.

For applications, grant guidelines and more details, visit www.deltadentalnc.com/smilesforkids.

The Delta Dental Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 1980, which serves as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina. The foundation is dedicated to developing and enhancing partnerships and programs to improve oral and overall health and health equity. For more information, visit www.deltadental.foundation.