School-Based and School-Linked Initiatives to Improve Oral Health Grant

School-Based and School-Linked Initiatives to Improve Oral Health Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Carequest Institute For Oral Health Inc
Amount: Up to US $125,000
Last Updated: February 20, 2026

Summary

The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is inviting proposals for school-based and school-linked initiatives aimed at improving oral health access for high-risk children. This grant opportunity seeks to address systemic barriers to oral health through innovative programs that engage schools and communities. Ideal projects may include workforce development, community engagement strategies, policy advocacy, and the use of technology. Proposals should focus on creating equitable oral health solutions that enhance both health and academic success for children and their families.

Overview

NOTE: Register to join our interactive Office Hours on April 10th or 22nd to learn more about the RFP and ask questions. At CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, we work together to create a system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated by bringing forth ideas and solutions. We do this through our work in grantmaking, research, health improvement programs, policy and advocacy, and education, as well as our leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. But we don’t do it alone. Collaboration and partnership are key to achieving our mission — to improve the oral health of all. Our grantmaking team has a history of partnering with grassroots and communitybased organizations that represent and/or engage those most directly impacted by oral health inequities. These populations include racial and ethnic minorities, rural communities, and older adults. Since our Grassroots Engagement Initiative in 2015–2020, we’ve continued to elevate new partner voices to reshape, disrupt, and transform our oral health system. Taking what we’ve learned, we are seeking new voices representing historically marginalized communities to advance oral health. School-Based and School-Linked Initiatives to Improve Oral Health As part of CareQuest Institute’s philanthropic strategy, we are actively seeking grantmaking opportunities that strengthen communities and improve the overall system to create better oral health for all. School-based and school-linked oral health programs are designed to address access barriers for high-risk children to prevent dental decay and improve overall health and academic success. Through the SchoolBased and School-Linked Initiatives to Improve Oral Health Request for Proposals (RFP), CareQuest Institute is seeking to fund projects that are engaging schools to address systemic barriers to oral health, inclusive of access, for children and their families. Proposals may include but are not limited to: Workforce considerations. Exploring effective studentfacing roles (e.g., school nurses) and strategies individuals in these roles use to support the expansion of oral health prevention, messaging, and access to care for students. Schools can become the center for multiple opportunities to improve the oral health and overall health of the students, increasing their chances to stay in school and achieve in life.Community Engagement. Advocacy by community members to support policy to implement or expand school-based or school-linked oral health programs.Policy solutions to improve oral health. Local education agency, state, or national policies to support school-based or school-linked oral health programs.Expansion of the capacity of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). School-based oral health programs may either be operated by or partner with FQHCs to refer students and their family members, so that everyone eventually secures a dental home.School-based technology and tools. Teledentistry can enable children to receive diagnostic, preventive, and early intervention dental care at their school.Alternative payment models. A clinical organization piloting innovative clinical, workforce, and workflow solutions to inform and/or validate creative payment models that support school-based or school-linked oral health.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must be based and operating in the United States or its territories.Applicants may be either a public entity or nonprofit organization that is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue codeGrant funds may be used fo: project staff salariessubgrants to project partners/community organizations that clearly align with the mission, goals, and budget of the proposal;consultant fees;data collection and analysis;meetings; supplies; activities related to fundraising and development;project-related travel;and other direct project expenses.

Ineligibility

Grant funds, including subgrants, may not be used for:direct services (e.g., restorations, screenings, dental supplies, lost revenue, etc.)capital expenditureslobbying, endowments, or scholarships,or as a substitute for funds currently being used to support similar activities.