Dental Trade Alliance Foundation logo

Fund-A-Future Dental Scholarship

Dental Trade Alliance Foundation

Foundation Annual Grants for Education

Funding Amount

Up to $25,000

Deadline

April 30, 2026

7 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Fund-A-Future Dental Scholarship

Status: Active and accepting applications

Established: 2012

Geographic Scope: United States

Focus: Dental students in D3 or D4 (third or fourth year) with commitment to community service

Overview:
The DTA Foundation provides scholarships to dental students halfway through their dental education who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. Program is funded through generous donations from DTA Foundation donors and Dental Trade Alliance company members.

Award Amount: Up to $25,000 maximum

  • Top scholarship: $25,000 (awarded annually, funded by Robert J. Sullivan Family Foundation Legacy Endowment)

  • Additional scholarships: $5,000 each

  • Number of scholarships awarded varies annually based on fundraising
  • Eligibility Criteria:

  • Enrolled in US-based dental school

  • In D3 or D4 year (third or fourth year of dental education)

  • Demonstrate commitment to community service

  • Have financial need
  • Funding History:

  • 2012: 2 scholarships ($5,000 each)

  • 2013: 4 scholarships ($5,000 each)

  • 2014: 9 scholarships ($5,000 each)

  • 2015: 10 scholarships ($5,000 each)

  • 2016: 10 scholarships ($5,000 each)

  • 2020: First $25,000 top scholarship awarded

  • 2025: Additional fundraising through Annual Meeting Paddle Raiser
  • Major Funding Sources:

  • Robert J. Sullivan Family Foundation (primary supporter, Legacy Endowment)

  • Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund

  • Crown Seating

  • Anonymous donors

  • Annual Meeting Paddle Raiser (started 2016)
  • Application Requirements:

  • Application includes video component

  • Video: ~2 minutes highlighting one charitable work project

  • Video can be casual cell phone selfie (does not need to be professional)

  • Demonstrate passion and pride in community service work
  • Community Service Considerations:

  • School-required projects count but applications stronger with non-required volunteer work

  • Demonstrates dedication to community service
  • Payment Options:

  • Funds sent directly to school OR

  • Direct payment to student (student may be responsible for taxes on funds not spent on direct school costs)

  • If receiving funds directly, must submit W9 form
  • How to Apply

    Dental Scholarship Application Process

    Application Timeline (2026):

  • Applications Reopened: January 15, 2026

  • Applications Close: April 30, 2026

  • Review Period: Spring/early summer

  • Notification: Summer (before fall semester start)
  • Application Steps:
    1. Access online application
    2. Complete required form fields
    3. Submit video component (~2 minutes)
    4. Submit application

    Video Requirements:

  • Time: Approximately 2 minutes

  • Format: Casual, personal (cell phone selfie acceptable)

  • Professional production NOT required

  • Content: Highlight one charitable/community service project you're most proud and passionate about

  • Purpose: Personal way to showcase your dedication to community service
  • Application Content:
    Applicants should address:

  • Community service projects and involvement

  • Commitment to community service

  • Financial need

  • Why community service is important to you

  • Personal story/background
  • Community Service Project Guidelines:

  • School-required projects can be included

  • Applications are STRONGER if they include non-required community service work

  • Demonstrates genuine dedication beyond requirements
  • Submission Confirmation:

  • Applicants will see submission screen

  • Thank you message appears upon successful submission

  • Confirms application has been fully submitted
  • Payment Options:
    After selection:

  • Funds can be sent directly to school OR

  • Direct payment to student

  • Note: Students receiving direct payments may be responsible for taxes on amounts not spent on direct school costs

  • Students must submit W9 form if requesting direct payment
  • Review Process:

  • Scholarship Committee reviews all applications in spring/early summer

  • All applicants notified of outcome in summer before fall semester
  • Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    education

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