Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation’s Community Grant

The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation (DDARF) administers its Community Grants program to support community-based initiatives that improve oral health across the state of Arkansas. The Foundation’s mission is rooted in transforming oral health through collaboration, innovation, education, and service. Through these grants, DDARF seeks to increase access to both oral disease prevention services and direct dental treatment. Projects with a primary focus on treatment or prevention are encouraged under this program, while initiatives with an educational emphasis are directed to a separate funding process. The Community Grants program provides financial support ranging from $2,500 to $40,000 per eligible organization. The funding is intended to support community-level projects that serve uninsured, underinsured, or underserved Arkansans regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or socio-economic status. Acceptable uses of funding include program-specific administrative or staffing costs, capital expenses such as equipment or supplies, dental clinic treatment expenditures, and operational costs like travel, training, marketing, and facility rental. However, the grants do not cover direct salaries for dental staff, treatment reimbursements, debt reduction, fundraising activities, or discriminatory programs. Eligible applicants must be Arkansas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, schools, or charitable dental facilities. Individuals and private foundations are not eligible. Grants are awarded once per calendar year per organization, and previously funded grantees must submit a final report before reapplying. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis, with board approval occurring quarterly. The current submission deadlines for 2024–2025 are December 27, 2024; March 21, 2025; June 27, 2025; and September 26, 2025. Corresponding decisions will be communicated within approximately six weeks of each deadline. All grant applications must include a completed application form, a project implementation plan using a provided template, and a budget narrative identifying secured and requested funds. Priority is given to applications that demonstrate an understanding of community needs, strong referral and support systems, collaboration with healthcare or educational providers, and efforts in Arkansas counties currently lacking oral health initiatives. Programs that exhibit scalability or sustainability through wrap-around services are also viewed favorably. If approved, grantees are required to maintain consistent communication with the Foundation and comply with specific evaluation protocols. These include interim and final reports capturing both qualitative and quantitative outcomes, site visits or check-in calls if applicable, and submission of documentation to verify expenses. DDARF emphasizes measurable impact and strategic execution, expecting programs to track progress, outcomes, and changes resulting from funded efforts. Interested applicants can apply through DDARF’s online application portal and are encouraged to reach out via email with any questions. The point of contact for the program is available at foundation@deltadentalar.com. Further resources and a list of past grantees are accessible through the Foundation's website.

Projects must prioritize prevention or treatment. Preference given to collaborative and regionally relevant efforts.