Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation’s Community Grant

The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Community Grants program is a statewide initiative aimed at improving oral health outcomes for underserved populations in Arkansas. Since its inception in 2008, the program has consistently supported nonprofit and public sector organizations that deliver direct dental services or implement preventive oral health strategies. The Foundation operates as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Arkansas and aligns its giving with the company’s mission to improve the oral health of Arkansans through education, treatment, and increased access to care. Funding from the Foundation is strategically allocated to reach communities with limited or no dental care services and to reduce oral health disparities across the state. The Community Grants specifically support projects focused on oral health treatment and prevention. This includes programs that provide routine dental care, distribute supplies, deliver preventative services, and develop treatment pathways for at-risk or low-income individuals. The funding must directly benefit uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise underserved residents in Arkansas. Educational programs, while integral to oral health promotion, are directed to a separate funding stream under the Oral Health Education Grant category. Funded programs are expected to operate over a 12-month period from the date of grant approval, during which all awarded funds must be used. Eligible applicants for this grant include Arkansas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, government agencies, public schools, and charitable dental treatment facilities. Applications from individuals are not accepted. Importantly, each eligible organization may receive only one Community Grant per calendar year. Returning applicants must submit a final report for any previously awarded Community Grant before reapplying. The Foundation’s funding may be used for program-specific administrative staff salaries, dental supplies, equipment purchases, training, travel, marketing, and utilities directly tied to the oral health program. However, the grant explicitly prohibits use for clinical staff salaries (e.g., dentists or hygienists during treatment), direct payments to patients, reimbursements, for-profit activities, capital improvements, political or fundraising activities, or any services that could result in private financial gain. Applications are reviewed and approved on a quarterly basis by an evaluation committee composed of Foundation board members, Delta Dental employees, public service leaders, and community members. While the application window remains open year-round, organizations must meet one of the quarterly submission deadlines to be considered for that review cycle. Deadlines for the 2025-2026 cycle are December 26, 2025; March 13, 2026; June 12, 2026; and September 11, 2026. Final funding decisions are communicated shortly after each review cycle, typically within one week of the evaluation date. The Foundation emphasizes that incomplete applications or those missing required documents will be returned to draft status. Each application must include verification of nonprofit or public sector eligibility (e.g., IRS determination letter), a completed application form, an implementation plan, a detailed budget narrative using the Foundation’s template, and quotes for any requested purchases. If an organization operates both charitable and for-profit programs, the proposal must clearly separate the two, especially in financial documentation. Ideal projects demonstrate community collaboration, target counties with limited dental services, include referral protocols, and measure both immediate and long-term impacts on oral health behaviors. Reporting and evaluation are central to the grant's requirements. Funded organizations are expected to participate in regular check-ins, provide interim and final evaluations, and track outcomes such as participant numbers by county. The Foundation encourages the inclusion of both qualitative and quantitative data in these reports, such as images, anecdotes, and usage metrics. Any questions about the application process may be directed to the Foundation via email at [email protected].

Target underserved Arkansans; Track outcomes; Start in underserved counties; Avoid ineligible expenses