Smiles for Kids

Smiles for Kids Grant Program

Funder: Delta Dental Foundation (DDF), philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of North Carolina (DDNC)

Geographic Scope: North Carolina (all 100 counties targeted; currently serving 70 counties as of 2026)

Focus Areas:

• Oral health education for children
• Dental health services for children
• Dental supplies and equipment
• Programs serving underserved and underrepresented populations

Eligibility:

• Community-based nonprofit organizations
• Safety-net dental clinics
• North Carolina-based organizations
• Programs focused on children's oral health, particularly among populations with little or no access to care

Award Information:

• 2026: $160,000 awarded to 44 nonprofits (record year)
• 2025: $150,000 awarded to 44 nonprofits
• 2024: $148,728 awarded to 39 nonprofits
• Each organization receives up to $5,000

Program History:

• Launched in 2011
• Has invested more than $1 million through the program
• Touched lives of nearly 600,000 children across North Carolina
• 2026 expanded into 13 new counties

Application Process

Current Status: Application cycle for 2027 will open in Fall 2026

Previous Cycle Timeline (2024):

• Application period: October 16, 2023 – January 6, 2024

Evaluation Criteria:

• Program's focus on children
• Potential impact on the community
• Measurable results
• Level of local community support attracted

Application Materials:

• Applications available at www.deltadentalnc.com/smilesforkids
• Grant guidelines provided

Note: Specific application form requirements not detailed in provided content. Applicants should visit the website for complete guidelines.