Organizations may apply for a one-year grant ranging from $1,000-$20,000. Organizations are allowed to reapply if they have already received a grant in a previous year. However, each year’s request is considered separately by the Grants Committee. Prior funding does not imply consecutive funding. 

Timeline

• Application Deadline: September 5, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. No extensions will be granted. 

• Community Grants Program Review Process: October 2025.

Site visits may be scheduled during this time period.

• Grants to be Awarded: November 2025

• Progress Report from previous year required for application if grant was awarded. All grantees will still need to submit a separate Final Report at the end of the previous year grant period.

• Final Report:  February 15, 2027.

Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation provides funding for the following:

• Program/project costs;

• Equipment and supplies related to the program/project;

• Salaries related to the program/project.

Organizations receiving funding must:

 • Have physical presence in the state of Illinois and must benefit Illinois children;

• Be a public charity classified as exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; or

• Be a public or governmental entity such as a public school or health department.

Generally, The Foundation gives preference to organizations and programs that:

• Address identified needs among underserved segments of the population. 

• Build awareness and educate Illinois children on the connection between overall health and oral health;

• Are financially and operationally stable;

• Fulfill a unique or unduplicated need;

• Have a plan and process in place to measure and report outcomes.

• Have a new, innovative model that is providing successful and has potential to be replicated throughout the state.

Restrictions

Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation’s Community Grants Program will not award to the following:

• Organizations outside of Illinois that do not serve Illinois children

• Projects not related to oral health

• Bricks and Mortar

• Organizations/projects that do not benefit Illinois residents

• Individuals and Individual Treatment Costs

• Religious Programs or Activities

• Endowments

• Political Organizations, Groups or Campaigns

• Fundraising Events

Tips

• Before completing the application, please review Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation’s in-kind donation application process. We typically do not provide funding for toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and educational materials.

• If there is an organization providing the exact same program or service for the same population in the same region, please provide rationale.