Sharing Smiles Statewide with Assistance Provided by Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation
Posted on April 17, 2020 in Giving Back
As the COVID-19 outbreak dramatically altered our daily life over the last month, organizations in Iowa and around the country moved quickly to assess how to protect one another and how we could lend a hand to our neighbors in need. Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation recognized the important role Iowa nonprofits were going to play in serving the most vulnerable in our communities during this unprecedented time. Area nonprofits – particularly those providing food security and health and wellness services – were going to need additional support since so many Iowans are now self-quarantined, unemployed or furloughed, and children are not in school.
In late March, Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation announced the $500,000 COVID-19 Nonprofit Emergency Operating Relief Fund, to provide operating grants of up to $10,000 to Iowa nonprofit organizations focused on providing health and wellness related relief services or addressing food insecurity needs during this crisis.
Over the last few weeks, the Foundation has awarded 128 Iowa nonprofits, covering assistance programs in all 99 counties, with a combined total of $500,000 in grants to provide for Iowans during this time of need. The bulk of the nearly 300 applications received were for programs addressing food security or vital health services for children and vulnerable populations. Many of these organizations serve as a critical safety net for populations such as older adults, homeless, individuals with disabilities, and communities of color.
Across the state, nonprofits are working hard to meet the needs for increased demand on their food pantry inventories, distribution systems, and direct services. Click here to review the list of all of the recipients. We have included links to each organization’s website to find out more about what they do and how you can help.
“Now more than ever, we all need to come together. As a health and wellness company, we are committed to maintaining our services to our customers, but we wanted to do more for our nonprofit community partners,” said Jeff Russell, president of the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation. “Caring for our communities has been a core value for our company for over 50 years. We want to ensure our nonprofit partners can continue to provide essential health services and basic needs during this time and into the future.”
Basic essential needs exist across the state, in both urban and rural communities, which was demonstrated when we mapped what counties would be impacted by the nonprofits receiving grants. We are encouraged to see nonprofits of all sizes stepping up to serve fellow Iowans in all 99 counties during this unprecedented time.
At Delta Dental, it’s important for us to model to our communities what our employees already know – we are dedicated to improving the health and smiles of the people we serve. During this critical time, helping to ensure food security and the health and wellness of all Iowans is a simple way to show that dedication. We hope you’ll join us in this effort by donating to your favorite local nonprofit that is keeping Iowans safe and healthy during this pandemic.
Watch for more stories of the good work Iowa nonprofits are doing to serve their communities.
Please note that the COVID-19 Nonprofit Emergency Operating Relief Fund application is now closed.