Community Grant Program Philosophy and Guidelines

Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is the charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois. In the past 10+ years, combined efforts of both organizations have provided more than $5 million to programs and organizations in Illinois that improve the oral health of the residents of Illinois. Charitable contributions to the Foundation support our priorities that include: Access to Oral Health Care, Student Excellence, and Oral Health Education and Awareness.

Community Grants Overview
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation primarily focuses its grantmaking on programs and/or organizations targeting children that address many of the needs mentioned above. Our two key priority areas are:

  • Oral Health Education and Awareness
  • Access to Oral Health Care – specifically programs that also educate and inform

Organizations may apply for a one-year grant ranging from $1,000-$20,000. Organizations are allowed to reapply if they have already received a grant in a previous year. However, each year’s request is considered separately by the Grants Committee. Prior funding does not imply consecutive funding.

Timeline

  • Applications open: September 1 - October 1, 2022
  • Community Grants Program Review Process: October
    Site visits may be scheduled during this time period.
  • Grants to be Awarded: November 2022
  • Progress Report due with following year’s application if applying.

Grants Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation provides must be for the following:

  • Program/project costs;
  • Equipment and supplies related to the program/project;
  • Salaries related to the program/project.

Organizations receiving funding must:

  • Have physical presence in the state of Illinois and must benefit Illinois children;
  • Be a public charity classified as exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; or
  • Be a public or governmental entity such as a public school or health department.

Generally, The Foundation gives preference to organizations and programs that:

  • Address identified needs among underserved segments of the population.
  • Build awareness and educate Illinois children on the connection between overall health and oral health;
  • Are financially and operationally stable;
  • Fulfill a unique or unduplicated need;
  • Have a plan and process in place to measure and report outcomes.
  • Have a new, innovative model that is providing successful outcomes and has potential to be replicated throughout the state.

Restrictions
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation’s Community Grants Program will not award to the following:

  • Organizations outside of Illinois that do not serve Illinois children
  • Projects not related to oral health
  • Bricks and Mortar
  • Organizations/projects that do not benefit Illinois residents
  • Individuals and Individual Treatment Costs
  • Religious Programs or Activities
  • Endowments
  • Political Organizations, Groups or Campaigns
  • Fundraising Events

Tips

  • Before completing the application, please review Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation’s in-kind donation application process. We typically do not provide funding for toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and educational materials.
  • If there is an organization providing the exact same program or service for the same population in the same region, please provide rationale.