Philanthropy and Community Benefit

Delta Dental of Illinois’ vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of the customers and communities we serve. To further this vision, we have an internal Philanthropy and Community Benefit Team made up of employees throughout the enterprise that works to develop initiatives to engage our employees in enterprise philanthropy, educate stakeholders about our philanthropic efforts and invest in the communities we serve.  

The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, the 501(c)3 charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois, works to improve the overall health and well-being of people in Illinois through education and access to quality healthcare. Learn more about our Foundation.

Below are recent initiatives our Philanthropy and Community Benefit Team have worked on:

Philanthropy and Community Benefit Initiatives

• Black History Month

  We honor and celebrate the contributions that African Americans have made to our Country and in our communities. We offer Lunch & Learns for our employees to attend with guest speakers that celebrate, honor and teach us how to become active within our communities. We have supported the following organizations during Black History Month:

  • Grow Greater Englewood
  • My Block My Hood My City - this is the second year we have supported this organization's efforts. 
  • GoodKids MadCity (GKMC) 
  • The Chrysalis Program
• Women's History Month

  During Women's History Month, we highlighted numerous women pioneers who have helped make advancements in dentistry. We supported the following female-focused charities to empower and advance the lives of women and girls.

  • Salt and Light Coalition
  • Girls Who Code
  • Chicago Foundation for Women
• Pride Month

  Delta Dental of Illinois is proud to be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and dedicated to maintain an inclusive culture where all are welcomed, celebrated and appreciated. We support the following organizations that serve and empower LGBTQ+ youth and young adults and offer parent support and community education. 

  • Youth Outlook
  • OUTspoken Leaders
• National Hispanic Heritage Month

  Genaro (Gene) Romo, D.D.S. is a member of Delta Dental of Illinois Board of Directors, practicing dentist and works in aiding the advancement of fellow Hispanic dentists and improving the oral health and overall health in Hispanic communities on Chicago's Southwest Side. Read more.

  Omar Duque, president of The Hispanic IT Executive Council and a member of Delta Dental of Illinois Board of Directors since 2017, was highlighted for his efforts in mentoring and leading Hispanic professionals and promoting diversity. Read more.

• Domestic Violence and Mental Health Awareness

  We educated our employees and brought awareness regarding domestic violence. We supported organizations that help those who experience this in their lives.

  • Hesed House
  • Mutual Ground

  In addition, our employees committed to track their steps to reach a goal. A donation was made to Hope for the Day, a non-profit movement empowering the conversations on proactive suicide prevention and mental health education.

• Diabetes Awareness

  Delta Dental of Illinois partners with American Diabetes Association to support, educate and promote the connection between oral health and diabetes. 

• Enterprise Donations

  Helping to put a smile on another's face during the holiday season, our Enterprise supported the following charities, submitted by employees:

  • The Illinois Search and Rescue Council (ISARC)
  • The Primo Center
  • Athletic Konnection
  • The HOPE Worldwide Chicago Chapter's Skyline After School Program
  • Miss Carly's

  In November, we collected 872 pounds of food which we donated to the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Monetary donations were also made by employees.

• Veterans

  We partner with Dental Lifeline Network's "Will You See One Vet" campaign, joining other Delta Dental companies across the country in helping to improve access to oral health care for veterans.

  Through Soldiers' Angels, our employees made no-sew blankets to donate to deployed service members and to veterans who are hospitalized or in wheelchairs.

  Delta Dental of Illinois employees made paracord bracelets for military and first responders through Operation Gratitude. These bracelets are functional and can be used in emergency situations.