The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) provides funding to nonprofit organizations, government entities, and educational institutions working to improve oral health outcomes in the states of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina. The foundation's grantmaking aligns with its strategic plan, which emphasizes oral health equity and community empowerment. A strong focus is placed on addressing disparities, particularly for people with disabilities, and on evaluating not only the scope of activity but also the depth of its impact.

DDF offers several grant opportunities, with its general grants supporting initiatives that align with its five strategic pillars. Priority is given to programs that can demonstrate measurable outcomes, impact beyond initial outputs, and a clear plan for sustainability. The foundation looks for proposals that reflect strong accountability practices, community relevance, and the potential to create systemic change. All grantees are expected to define success using a “family of measures” that assess outcomes, processes, and unintended consequences to better understand and communicate the broader impact of the work.

The grants are available exclusively to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and accredited educational institutions based in or serving communities in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina. For applicants located in North Carolina, contact must be made with Elaine Loyack prior to submitting a grant request. Individual applicants are only eligible in the context of DDF’s scholarships, community service awards, or research grant programs.

Grants are not typically awarded for building construction, indirect or overhead costs, loans, or commercial ventures. DDF also does not support organizations engaged in political activities or that practice discrimination based on a wide range of identities or statuses. Funding decisions are made quarterly, with deadlines for grant submissions occurring on February 7, May 29, August 28, and November 13 of the 2025 calendar year.

Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to the foundation at ddf@deltadentalmi.com prior to submitting an application. This dialogue helps ensure alignment with DDF’s priorities and allows for clarification of expectations. A preview of the full grant application is available to prospective applicants. All recipients are required to submit a reporting form within one year of receiving funds or before seeking additional funding.