Wisconsin Dental Association Foundation Grant Program

The Wisconsin Dental Association Foundation, Inc., established in 1957, serves as the charitable subsidiary of the Wisconsin Dental Association and operates as a qualified, tax-exempt corporation. The Foundation’s mission centers on advancing oral health care for underserved populations in Wisconsin and promoting volunteerism among dental professionals. It does so by providing targeted financial support to community-based, nonprofit oral health programs and other philanthropic efforts related to dentistry within the state. The grant program’s objectives include increasing access to dental care, supporting oral health education, and encouraging community volunteer engagement. Funds may be used for activities such as purchasing dental supplies and equipment for low-income dental clinics, providing dental education in schools, health fairs, and social agencies, operating mobile dental clinics or outreach programs, and implementing preventive care programs like fluoride and sealant applications. The Foundation also considers other philanthropic initiatives related to dentistry in Wisconsin. Funding is limited to projects serving Wisconsin residents and must be expended within the state. Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)(3) organizations or government agencies headquartered in Wisconsin that are engaged in oral health promotion. Federally Qualified Health Centers, individuals, for-profit entities, and organizations outside Wisconsin are not eligible. The grant does not support salaries, travel, endowments, fundraising campaigns, general operating expenses, lobbying activities, major capital expenses, or facility purchases and remodeling. Applications are reviewed by the WDA Foundation Finance & Allocation Committee, with final approval by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Evaluation criteria include the potential impact on the target population, sustainability, community involvement, provision of restorative and preventive dental services, educational content, and program creativity. A competitive application will include a completed and signed cover page, executive summary, narrative (maximum four pages), all required documents, and a letter of endorsement from a regional component dental society officer. The application process opens each July, with proposals due by September 15 at 11:59 p.m. via email. Applicants are notified of decisions by January 10 of the funding year. Approved recipients must sign and return the original Grant Agreement and a completed W-9 by January 31. Grant funds are mailed by March 31. A one-page Mid-Year Report is due by June 30, summarizing program activities and use of funds. Failure to meet reporting deadlines results in ineligibility for the next funding cycle. Questions may be directed to Mark Spiegelhoff, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Dental Association Foundation, at mspiegelhoff@wda.org or by phone at 414-755-4198. Correspondence by mail should be addressed to 6737 W. Washington St., Ste. 2360, West Allis, WI 53214.

Submit complete application in correct order; incomplete submissions are not reviewed