N.C. Nonprofits Can Now Apply for $5K to Promote & Provide Oral Care for Children
Delta Dental of North Carolina Expands Smiles for Kids Grant Program in Company's 55th Anniversary Year
RALEIGH — November 3, 2025 —
The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF), the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of North Carolina (DDNC), is now accepting applications for its 2026 Smiles for Kids grant program.
In its 55th anniversary year, DDNC is reaffirming its commitment to advancing oral health equity with a bold goal: to reach one million underserved North Carolinians by 2028. The Smiles for Kids program is a cornerstone of this effort, supporting community-based oral health initiatives that provide prevention, treatment, and education for children across the state.
In 2026, DDF will award up to $160,000 in grants to North Carolina nonprofits, with individual awards of up to $5,000. The program directs these funds to reduce barriers to care in communities where children face limited or no access to dental services.
Since its launch in 2011, Smiles for Kids has:
- Funded 100 nonprofit organizations statewide
- Impacted 536,000 children and families
- Invested more than $1.068 million into North Carolina communities
“Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease of childhood, about five times more common than asthma, and in North Carolina, nearly one in five kindergarteners suffers from untreated tooth decay, with children in rural and low-income communities disproportionately affected,” said Curt Ladig, president and chief executive officer of DDNC. “Through Smiles for Kids, we are equipping local nonprofits with the resources they need to prevent disease, and in this milestone year, we are doubling down on our mission to improve the oral health and the overall well-being of the communities we serve.”
In its last Smiles for Kids grant cycle, DDF awarded nearly $160,000 to 39 nonprofits, improving oral health outcomes for almost 41,000 children. The DDF evaluates applications based on several key factors, including impact on children, measurable results, community support, and ability to improve access to care.
The application window is open now through Sunday, January 11, 2026. For applications, grant guidelines, and more details, visit: www.deltadentalnc.com/smilesforkids.
About Delta Dental Foundation
The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 1980, which serves as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina. The DDF is dedicated to developing and enhancing partnerships and programs to improve oral and overall health and health equity. For more information, visit www.deltadental.foundation.
About Delta Dental of North Carolina
For 55 years, Delta Dental of North Carolina has championed healthy smiles across the state as North Carolina’s leading dental insurer. A member of the Delta Dental Plans Association, DDNC is part of the largest dental insurance network in the nation, covering more than 80 million Americans. DDNC is pleased to provide both dental and vision insurance to businesses as part of their employee benefits, and directly to individuals and families. Our mission is to improve the oral health and the overall well-being of the communities we serve. Learn more about Delta Dental of North Carolina at www.deltadentalnc.com and DeltaVision® at www.deltadentalnc.com/deltavision.