Water's Cool @ School Grant Program

Program Status: Active and ongoing

Geographic Scope: Tennessee (all schools serving grades K-12)

Focus Areas:

• Install contactless Elkay bottle-filling stations at schools
• Promote water consumption and hydration among students
• Support oral health education

Program Overview:
Now in its third year (as of 2022), the Water's Cool @ School grant program aims to help students understand the importance of drinking water and make it easier for students to do so during the school day. Research indicates that about half of all school-age children are underhydrated and 1 in 5 children do not drink any plain water during the day.

Eligibility:

• Any Tennessee school serving students in grades K-12 (expanded from elementary and middle schools only)
• Schools must have an existing water fountain to replace

Awards & Support:

• 30 schools awarded per grant cycle
• Grant covers: contactless Elkay bottle-filling station with installation + toothbrushes for all students
• Top 5 schools also receive water bottles for all students, faculty, and staff

Achievements to Date:

• 2021: 55 elementary schools received grants
• As of 2024: 110+ fountains installed across Tennessee
• Top 10 schools from 2021 cycle also received water bottles for all students, faculty, and staff

Application Notes:

• Creative projects (videos or art) highlighting water/health/dental health are encouraged but not required
• Applications with creative projects receive preference
• Schools must provide photographs of current water fountain to be replaced

Additional Resources:
Educational materials released including activity sheets, sugar demonstrations, games, and posters for elementary school audiences.

How to Apply for Water's Cool @ School Grants

1. Visit the grant website: DeltaDentalTN.com/WCS to access the online application
2. Complete the online application form
3. Create a creative project (optional but encouraged):
   • Submit a short video or other creative project highlighting:
   • How water is good for your health and teeth
   • Why your school needs the bottle-filling station
   • What makes a healthy smile
   • Projects are not required but applications with creative submissions will receive preference
4. Share creative project on social media:
   • Post project on social media with hashtag #WatersCoolTN
   • Include a link to the creative project in the grant application
5. Submit photographs:
   • Include photographs of the current water fountain that the school would like to replace
   • Photos help inform the installation process for selected schools
6. Submit application
   • Applications submitted through the online portal at DeltaDentalTN.com/WCS

Timeline:

• Grant announcements made in early year following application
• Installations scheduled for spring following announcement

Selection Process:

• 30 schools selected per cycle
• Top 5 schools receive additional water bottles for all students, faculty, and staff

Inspiration:
Schools can search #WatersCoolTN on social media to view previous project submissions for ideas.