Foundation Funding
*Update 11.18.2024 - All Foundation funds have been allocated at this time. The next opportunity to submit requests will be in mid-late January 2025.
Funding Portfolio
The Foundation will invest in activities that promote health and smiles for all Iowans through our core initiatives, oral health, oral and overall health integration and overall health through an equity lens.
- Oral Health Fund is where the majority of our funding will be concentrated, which will continue to support pioneering approaches to advance oral health care and the integration of oral health with overall health.
- Wellness Community Fund promotes and invests in innovative opportunities to improve wellness and vision through grassroots community health initiatives.
Both funds provide support to programs that align with the Foundation’s strategic areas of focus: education and advocacy, access and prevention, and policy and research.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Foundation's grant guidelines. The Foundation will be hosting a virtual information session in July 2024 to discuss the grant guidelines and ways to partner. Learn more and register here.
System and Capacity Building Grants
Grants over $50,000 to support large infrastructure and major system change efforts related to the Foundation's core initiatives. Letters of interest for this grant program in 2024 are due March 1 and September 3 (*moved from September 1 since it lands on a weekend) . Following review by a grant committee, proposals approved to move forward will be invited to present to the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation Board of Directors. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Foundation staff prior to applying.
Community of Health Grants
$5,001-$50,000, partnering with others who share our mission and values is necessary to strengthen and transform the health and smiles of all Iowans. The Foundation will make investments in projects that advance our core initiatives, align within the three strategic areas of focus.
Learn more about how we take a comprehensive approach to addressing health disparities.
Spring cycle deadline - March 1 and Fall cycle deadline - September 3 (*moved from September 1 in 2024 due to the holiday weekend).
Smile Grants
$5,000 or less, these grants are designed to support short-term projects that are primarily educational in nature such as providing educational materials or supplies related to the Foundation's core initiatives. Applications open in January and accepted on an ongoing basis until all funds are allocated.
*All 2024 Smile Grant funding has been allocated at this time. Please check back in January 2025 for opportunities.
Rethink Your Drink
The Rethink Your Drink program aims to get more Iowans drinking water throughout the day to support their oral and overall health.
- Schools: Iowa schools have the opportunity to receive a new water fountain/bottle filling station for their school. Priority will be given to schools that have one or fewer water bottle filling stations in their school building and that have a free and reduced price lunch status of 50% or greater. Application deadline for schools is March 1.
- Outdoor Stations: Starting in 2022, outdoor water filling stations are available for communities to install along trails and in public parks. Priority will be given to community projects with construction timelines that are best aligned with requirements needed for installation. Outdoor water filling stations are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year until all funds are allocated.
*Update 5.28.2024 - All Rethink Your Drink funds for schools and outdoor locations have been allocated for 2024. If you would like to be notified of upcoming opportunities in 2025, please email [email protected].
Click here to learn more
Toothbrush Donations
This program is designed for oral health projects requesting toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss needed to support oral health programs.
Applications will be accepted from nonprofit organizations on a rolling basis throughout the year and must include an oral health education component.
The Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation team is eager to learn more about your work and explore how we might partner to strengthen and transform the health and smiles of all Iowans. Contact our Foundation Team to schedule a time talk.