Patterson Foundation: Oral Health Grants

Patterson Foundation: Oral Health Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Patterson Dental Foundation
Amount: Up to US $35,000
Last Updated: March 03, 2026

Summary

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

Overview

NOTE: The Patterson Foundation is committed to investing in programs that strengthen our communities. Letter of Inquiry - The Foundation has a two-step application process and continuously accepts and reviews letters of inquiry (LOI) through our online Grants Management System. Full Proposal - Invite Only - Following approval of an organization's LOI, an invitation is extended to complete our application form. Our staff may contact applicants with follow-up questions after initial review of the application. The board of directors meets quarterly to review grant applications and make funding decisions, typically in April, June, October and December of each year. Grant applications are due 60 to 90 days prior to the board meeting. Oral Health The Patterson Foundation is proud to support oral health programs that expand access to consistent oral hygiene programs, restorative and emergency dental care for individuals in need. In this focus area, the Patterson Foundation will consider applications focusing on one of the following requests: Capital: Projects that expand an organization’s capacity to serve individuals in need. For example, funding maybe used for construction or renovation costs to expand clinic capacity. In general, individual grant amounts vary up to $35,000, depending on the project goals and scope. Personnel Funding: Awards may help cover costs for a dental assistant, hygienist or coordinator to support the work of volunteer dental professionals or students who staff the program. The employee(s) must work directly with the volunteer providers. In general, programs can receive up to $10,000 in support, depending on the goals and impact of the program. Program Support: This funding may help support programs that improve on the patient experience, expand awareness or access to underserved populations, or help with general operations of your organization. Please see our exclusions list below. In general, individual grant amounts vary up to $10,000, depending on the scale and impact of the program.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Within the focus area, the Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations classified as public charities under Section 509(a)(1) or (2) by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.Grants are made to support communities in the Patterson Companies service areas throughout the United States and Canada.The Patterson Foundation generally considers only single year grant requests.All grantees are asked to submit follow-up reports via our online system within one year after a grant is awarded. Organizations are not eligible to receive additional funding until the follow-up report is received.

Ineligibility

Per our funding guidelines, grants cannot be used to purchase dental supplies or equipment or for the costs of patient care.In general, the Foundation will not consider requests for:The types of products or services sold by Patterson Companies, Inc., including dental or veterinary supplies, software, and equipment (a local branch of a Patterson company may consider donating products) The direct costs of treatment or therapies Organizations primarily funded by state or federal governments Individuals Travel Film/video productions Religious programs for religious purposes Scientific research Fraternal, social, veteran or military organizations Conferences/seminars or publications of their proceedings Fundraising or athletic events Emergency operating support Political advocacy, lobbying