The Northeast Delta Dental Foundation provides grants to organizations that enhance access to oral health care and improve the quality of dentistry services in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The foundation prioritizes projects that address oral health needs, promote education, support dental research, or expand the availability of preventive and affordable dental care. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) status, government entities, or academic institutions.

Funding supports initiatives such as educational programs on oral health awareness, preventive care programs to reduce dental disease, and improvements to dental clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers. Additionally, the foundation funds scholarships and continuing education for dental health professionals to address workforce shortages and enhance professional retention in the region. Research projects aimed at advancing oral health or addressing regional dental health challenges are also supported.

Grants are typically awarded for one year, and organizations are generally limited to one grant annually. Applications for additional years of funding require an annual outcomes report. While most grants are for amounts under $5,000, larger grants may be considered, but applicants must provide detailed documentation and demonstrate how the foundation will be recognized for its support. Applications for grants exceeding $2,000 are reviewed by the Foundation Board of Directors, which meets twice annually. The next submission deadline is February 7, 2025, for review during the March 2025 board meeting, with final decisions released after March 21, 2025.

Applicants must submit complete and truthful applications through the foundation’s online system. Site visits or requests for additional information may follow the initial review, particularly for first-time applicants. The foundation does not support initiatives unrelated to oral health and advises applicants to have well-established or well-planned programs with secured co-funding before applying.

This grant program is ideal for organizations aiming to improve oral health outcomes and expand dental care access in underserved populations within the foundation’s service area. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review guidelines and contact the foundation with questions before submission.