Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc
Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Sherwood, Arkansas. It supports oral health initiatives in Arkansas through grants focused on treatment, prevention, education, access to care, and health equity.
Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc gave $2.1M across 47 grants in 2024 (avg $44K), mostly in Arkansas. 49% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,081,587
- +72.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 47
- +51.6% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $44,289
- +14.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $26,050
- Total assets
- $19,392,832
- +21.6% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 49% first-time grantees (21 of 43, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Arkansas (99% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc
- How to Apply
-
The filing describes an online application packet with information about the organization, project, and project evaluation. The website says Mini Grant applications are accepted year-round and are evaluated twice monthly; completed applications must be submitted one week before an evaluation date. Community Grant applicants must meet the program’s eligibility and reporting requirements.
- Review Cycle
- The filing lists deadlines as various. Mini Grants are accepted year-round. Community Grant guidelines list submission deadlines through November 6, 2026.
- Deadline
- The filing lists deadlines as various.
- Contact
Application contact: Sharon Lanier
Mailing address: 1513 Country Club Road, Sherwood, AR 72120
Phone: (501) 992-1832
Website: https://deltadentalar.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
6 open opportunities from Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc
DDAF Community Grants
Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc
Amount
US $2,500 - US $40,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
DDAF Mini Grants
Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc
Amount
Up to US $2,500
Deadline
Deadline not published
DDAF Oral Health Education Grants
Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc
Amount
US $2,500 - US $30,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Arkansas Mission of Mercy Inc ($600K). Together the top 10 received $1.4M.
Grant Size Distribution
229 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 209 grants of 229 (91%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s website describes its grant programs as supporting communities and applicants in Arkansas. In 2024, 99% of grant dollars went to recipients in Arkansas and 1% to recipients in Texas.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 47 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
49%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 21 of 43 grantees (49%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $60K; repeat grants $37K. How we count
Medians: $30K first-time, $28K repeat.
- 30% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+10%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 240% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $719K (2022) to $2.1M (2024). In 2024 it made 47 grants totaling $2.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Mission of Mercy Inc Sherwood, AR | Strategic | $600,000 |
| School-Based Health Alliance of Arkansas Little Rock, AR | Strategic | $208,154 |
| Tri County Rural Health Network Inc Helena, AR | Strategic | $184,117 |
| Other Grants 5000 Sherwood, AR | Mini Grant | $106,733 |
| Crawford - Sebastian Community Development Council Inc Fort Smith, AR | Community Grant | $40,000 |
| River City Ministry of Pulaski County Inc North Little Rock, AR | Community Grant | $40,000 |
| Shirley School District Shirley, AR | Community Grant | $40,000 |
| Conway Regional Health Foundation Inc Conway, AR | Community Grant | $35,000 |
| Harmony Health Clinic Little Rock, AR | Community Grant | $35,000 |
| Ualr Children International Little Rock, AR | Community Grant | $35,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The Foundation reported 47 grants in 2024, 31 in 2023, and 24 in 2022.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $19,392,832 | $3,027,920 | $2,189,513 | $2,081,587 | 47 | $2,110,587 | $415,132 | $880,993 |
| 2023 | $15,946,517 | $3,986,770 | $1,229,156 | $1,204,151 | 31 | $1,204,151 | $400,820 | $696,232 |
| 2022 | $12,851,841 | $3,756,311 | $770,637 | $718,506 | 24 | $718,506 | $167,788 | $550,033 |
| 2021 | $9,909,475 | $4,637,343 | $1,760,622 | $1,887,634 | 58 | $1,743,530 | $1,854,538 | $458,949 |
| 2020 | $7,159,641 | $1,460,451 | $1,208,537 | $1,201,054 | 69 | — | $127,232 | $376,962 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $881K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s grant programs include Mini Grants for community oral health projects; Super Smiles at School Grants for school-based oral health education and access to care; Community Grants for treatment and prevention services; Oral Health Education Grants; and Strategic Initiative Grants for creative approaches to improving oral health and advancing equitable change. Strategic Initiative priorities include connecting oral health with overall health, improving equitable access, and testing ideas that could be replicated.
The Foundation’s 2024 filing describes its community grants as supporting free or low-cost dental clinics, dental education programs, and other oral health initiatives. It describes education grants as increasing oral health knowledge and empowerment through partnerships reaching underserved, uninsured, or underinsured Arkansas residents.
Its website identifies Arkansas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and charitable dental treatment facilities as eligible for Community Grants. Strategic Initiative Grants also list those applicant types. Mini Grants are for Arkansas-based nonprofits with active oral health programs in the state.
Examples of grantees’ stated missions illustrate the kinds of organizations receiving support. Arkansas Mission of Mercy says it helps dental professionals provide free dental care to people who might otherwise be unable to afford treatment. Tri County Rural Health Network says its mission is to improve access to health care by informing and educating citizens about health resources. Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council describes itself as a community action agency working to improve the lives of low-income individuals and families.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation reported 47 grants totaling $2,081,587. Grant amounts ranged from $5,865 to $600,000, with a median of $26,050. Its largest awards included $600,000 to Arkansas Mission of Mercy, $208,154 to School-Based Health Alliance of Arkansas, and $184,117 to Tri County Rural Health Network. Other listed awards included $40,000 each to Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council, River City Ministry of Pulaski County, and Shirley School District; and $35,000 each to Conway Regional Health Foundation, Harmony Health Clinic, and UALR Children International.
The Foundation’s website lists Mini Grants of up to $2,500, Community Grants ranging from $2,500 to $40,000, and Super Smiles at School Mini Grants of up to $2,500. Its Community Grants guidelines specify a one-calendar-year funding term and require a primary focus on oral health treatment or prevention. The Foundation’s filing says its grant application packet is submitted online and includes an organizational description, a project description, and a project evaluation. The filing lists award restrictions concerning services for low-income clients, an established written nondiscrimination policy, and providing all requested information.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Dr. Joseph W. Thompson as chairman, Blake Woolsey as vice chairman, Billy Tarpley as treasurer/secretary, and Kristin Merlo as president. Directors listed are Susan Smith, Dr. Jim Phillips, Dr. Cara Jones, Wayne Callahan, Sarah Clark, and Tamika Edwards.
Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc is led by Kristin Merlo, President on every filing since 2022; none of the 10 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Kristin Merlo
President
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joseph W. Thompson
Chairman
Vice Chairman → Chairman, 2022
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jim Phillips
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Susan Smith
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tamika Edwards
Director
Chairman → Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Wayne Callahan
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cara Jones
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sarah Clark
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Billy Tarpley
Treasurer & Secretary
Treasurer Secretary → Treasurer & Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Blake Woolsey
Vice Chairman
Director → Vice Chairman, 2022
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (5)
- Former: LaShannon Spencer (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Jim Couch (2020–2021) — President
- Former: Blake Woosley (2020) — Director
- Former: Joe Thompson MD (2020) — Vice Chairman
- Former: Martine Downs (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc
How much does Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc give each year?
Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc gave $2.1M across 47 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $1.2M across 31 grants.
What is Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $26,050, and its average grant was $44,289, across 47 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc that year got $60K on average.
Where does Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc give grants?
Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc gives mostly in Arkansas: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Little Rock, AR (22 grants), Conway, AR (3 grants), Sherwood, AR (2 grants) and North Little Rock, AR (2 grants).
Does Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 47 grants with a stated purpose on Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Community Grant" (24 grants), "Education Grant" (17 grants) and "Strategic" (5 grants).
Who are Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Arkansas Mission of Mercy Inc ($600,000), School-Based Health Alliance of Arkansas ($208,154) and Tri County Rural Health Network Inc ($184,117), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 48% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc?
Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc reported $19.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.1M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $881K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc fund?
The Foundation’s grant programs include Mini Grants for community oral health projects; Super Smiles at School Grants for school-based oral health education and access to care; Community Grants for treatment and prevention services; Oral Health Education Grants; and Strategic Initiative Grants for creative approaches to improving oral health and advancing equitable change. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc?
The filing describes an online application packet with information about the organization, project, and project evaluation. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc's EIN?
Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 26-1569324. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Arvest Foundation
Bentonville, AR
Arvest Foundation funds economic development, community programs, arts, nonprofit capacity, scholarships, and construction projects, primarily in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,000 to $75,000, with a median of $5,000. It gives only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$21.0M
Grants
562
Total Given
$4.3M
Riggs Benevolent Fund
Little Rock, AR
The fund supports a broad range of education, health, human-services, youth, and community organizations, primarily in Arkansas. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $100,000, with a median award of $5,000. The filing says there is no particular application form, but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$15.3M
Grants
86
Total Given
$724K
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable
Dallas, TX
The foundation funds educational, cultural, human services, and health care programs, including capital projects, medical research, and endowments, primarily in Arkansas and Texas, with an emphasis on the Dallas area. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $250,000, with a median of $20,000. It accepts applications from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations; the deadline is March 1.
Assets
$33.5M
Grants
82
Total Given
$2.1M
WAL-Mart Foundation
Bentonville, AR
The Wal-Mart Foundation funds economic opportunity, sustainability, racial equity, and community programs, with a focus on places where Walmart operates; its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $8.51 million, with a median of $430,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through some program-specific routes, including open Spark Good Local Grants of $250–$5,000; application options vary by program.
Assets
$23.4M
Grants
144
Total Given
$113.9M
The Schmieding Foundation
Springdale, AR
The Schmieding Foundation funds organizations benefiting children and older adults, including work in healthcare, education, food assistance, and community services. Its 2025 grants ranged from $150 to $603,500, with a median of $10,000; most funding went to Arkansas, with additional grants in Alabama and Nebraska. It accepts requests from organizations not limited to preselected recipients; applicants are directed to contact Lance Taylor and submit a preprinted application.
Assets
$12.0M
Grants
108
Total Given
$2.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in Arkansas
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 7, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/delta-dental-of-arkansas-foundation-inc-morg_d6a78c9aa7be4f5cade4d0819214e036
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_261569324_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/delta-dental-of-arkansas-foundation-inc-morg_d6a78c9aa7be4f5cade4d0819214e036},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-07. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?