Delta Dental Foundation Seeks Applications for 2024 Grants
Smiles for Kids grant application is open to organizations that promote and provide oral care for children
Raleigh, NC- (October 16, 2023) - The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF), the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of North Carolina (DDNC) is seeking applications from community-based oral health nonprofit programs and organizations in North Carolina for its 2024 Smiles for Kids grants program.
The DDF will direct funding to organizations across the state that focus on children’s oral health, particularly among populations with little or no access to care. In 2023, the DDF granted $148,728 to 39 North Carolina nonprofits under the Smiles for Kids program which benefited nearly 78,000 children. To view the full list of last year’s grant recipients, click here: Smiles for Kids Grants | Delta Dental of North Carolina.
“Tooth decay is the most common, chronic childhood disease, and children in North Carolina are three times more likely to miss school due to oral health-related issues,” said Curt Ladig, chief executive officer of Delta Dental of North Carolina. “This year, we continue our efforts to reach more counties and help even more children who are lacking in resources receive better access to dental care and oral health education.” Over the last 12 years, the Foundation has received applications from and granted awards to organizations representing 52% of the counties in North Carolina. “I would like to see the Smiles for Kids program grow to impact oral health initiatives in all 100 counties in the state,” said Ladig.
Upon submission, the DDF will evaluate each application based on factors such as the program’s focus on children, potential impact on the community, measurable results and the level of local community support it attracts.
The DDF will accept applications beginning Monday, October 16, 2023, through Sunday, January 6, 2024. 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 more than 50 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 administered by VSP ® Vision Care 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 wellbeing of the communities we serve. Learn more about Delta Dental of North Carolina at www.deltadentalnc.com and DeltaVision® at www.deltadentalnc.com/deltavision.
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