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Bigger Smiles Grants

Smile 180 Foundation

Foundation Literacy GrantsGrants for Preschools
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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Bigger Smiles Grants

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

  • Delta Dental has supported this program since 2004 when statewide program began

    • 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.

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    literacypreschools

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