How much funding does Bigger Smiles Grants provide?

The listing does not state a funding amount. Check the funder's announcement for specifics.

When is the deadline for Bigger Smiles Grants?

The funder has not published a deadline for this grant.

Who is eligible for Bigger Smiles Grants?

Eligible applicants: Imagination Library programs in selected Tennessee counties.

Bigger Smiles Grants

Smile 180 Foundation

Foundation Literacy Grants Grants for Preschools

Funding Amount

Not stated

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Eligible organizations

Imagination Library programs in selected Tennessee counties

Other requirements

Programs serving children ages birth to five
Focus on sustaining growing book costs due to high-volume enrollment

Overview

Funder: Delta Dental of Tennessee and Governor's Books from Birth Foundation (GBBF)

Geographic Scope: Tennessee counties with Imagination Library programs

Program Focus: Support enrollment growth of Imagination Library programs by funding book costs and mailing for preschoolers

Eligibility:

Imagination Library programs in selected Tennessee counties
Programs serving children ages birth to five
Focus on sustaining growing book costs due to high-volume enrollment

What is Awarded:

Funding to support book and mailing costs for Imagination Library programs
Helps sustain programs as enrollment grows

Program Details:

Partnership between Delta Dental of Tennessee, Governor's Books from Birth Foundation, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, and local county affiliates
Tennessee's Imagination Library serves children in all 95 Tennessee counties
As of 2018, 69% of state's age-eligible population (281,000+ preschoolers) enrolled statewide
Each enrolled child receives one high-quality, age-appropriate book monthly by mail
2018 round awarded 26 grants to support program growth

Background: Research shows children without basic literacy skills by school entry are 3-4x more likely to drop out later. Tennessee studies found Imagination Library participants outperformed non-participants and showed improved kindergarten readiness.

What Smile 180 Foundation actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2024

Grants in 2024: 47
Total given: $3.45M
Median grant: $36K
Range: $5,304–$515K

By dollars: Tennessee 100%. Top recipient cities: Nashville, TN; Knoxville, TN; Memphis, TN.
70% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
13% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

Example grants

Church Health Center · Memphis, TN

Grant for dental clinic operations, capital improvements, event sponsorship, and…

$515K
Christ Community Health Services · Memphis, TN

Grant for dental clinic operations, capital improvements, and dental safety net payments

$396K
Interfaith Dental Clinic · Nashville, TN

Grant for dental clinic operations, capital improvements, and dental safety net payments

$345K
University of Tennessee Foundation · Knoxville, TN

Grant for capital improvements and dental safety net payments

$261K
Neighborhood Health Services · Nashville, TN

Grant for dental clinic operations, capital improvements, and dental safety net payments

$149K