The Minnesota Dental Foundation (MDF) Grant Program supports Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations that provide essential dental services, promote oral health education, or offer career development opportunities in the dental field, especially for underserved communities. The MDF’s mission centers on increasing access to dental care, enhancing preventive health education, and funding treatment programs to improve oral health across Minnesota. With a vision to address unmet oral health needs, the foundation has funded over 750 initiatives totaling $6.12 million since 2001.

Grants, typically capped at $10,000, support a variety of needs, including dental supplies, small equipment, preventive programs like fluoride and sealant applications, and health education for low-income communities. Ineligible expenses include salary, general operating costs, travel, capital projects, lobbying, and support for individuals or for-profit entities. Only organizations located in Minnesota, or serving Minnesota communities, are eligible to apply.

The MDF evaluates applications on criteria such as originality, sustainability, community involvement, volunteer engagement, and the potential impact on target communities. The grant application window opens on October 14, 2024, with a submission deadline of December 9, 2024. Notifications will be issued by the end of January 2025 for Give Kids a Smile grantees, and by April 15, 2025, for all other grantees.

Applications must be submitted online in one session, as they cannot be saved and resumed later. A final project report is required within 60 days of project completion, and failure to comply may affect future eligibility. For questions, applicants can contact MDF at foundation@mndental.org or 612-767-8400.