Delta Dental IL: Community Grants Program

The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation's Community Grants Program aims to enhance oral health among Illinois residents, particularly children. With over $5 million awarded over the past decade, the foundation prioritizes programs focusing on oral health education, access to care, and workforce development. Grants range from $1,000 to $20,000, and organizations can reapply yearly. Eligible applicants must be Illinois-based 501(c)(3) charities or governmental entities, addressing specific community needs in oral health.

Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is the charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois. In the past 10+ years, combined efforts of both organizations have provided more than $5 million to programs and organizations in Illinois that improve the oral health of the residents of Illinois. Charitable contributions to the Foundation support our priorities that include: Access to Oral Health Care, Student Excellence, and Oral Health Education and Awareness.
Community Grants Overview
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation primarily focuses its grantmaking on programs and/or organizations targeting children that address many of the needs mentioned above. Our three key priority areas are:

• Oral Health Education and Awareness
• Access to Oral Health Care – specifically programs that also educate and inform
• Oral Health Workforce development – training, staff to increase access, sponsorship/mentorship

Organizations may apply for a one-year grant ranging from $1,000-$20,000. Organizations are allowed to reapply if they have already received a grant in a previous year. However, each year’s request is considered separately by the Grants Committee. Prior funding does not imply consecutive funding.

Eligibility

Grants Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation provides must be for the following:Program/project costs;Equipment and supplies related to the program/project;Salaries related to the program/project.Organizations receiving funding must:Have physical presence in the state of Illinois and must benefit Illinois children;Be a public charity classified as exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; orBe a public or governmental entity such as a public school or health department

Ineligibility

Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation’s Community Grants Program will not award to the following:Organizations outside of Illinois that do not serve Illinois children;Projects not related to oral health;Bricks and Mortar;Organizations/projects that do not benefit Illinois residents;Individuals and Individual Treatment Costs;Religious Programs or Activities;Endowments;Political Organizations, Groups or Campaigns;Fundraising Events.