Strategic Initiative Grants

The mission of the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation (DDARF) is to improve oral health for everyone by supporting initiatives that discover, test, and share creative ideas aimed at improving oral health outcomes and promoting health equity. DDARF focuses on empowering communities with knowledge, ensuring equitable access to oral health care, and fostering systemic change in oral health processes.

Type of Support

Overview

The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation’s Strategic Initiative Grant program aims to support nonprofit organizations throughout Arkansas in their efforts to improve oral health. The program supports a wide range of activities, including advocacy and socio-cultural changes, to foster positive social and behavior changes that enhance oral health. The foundation looks for projects with the potential to significantly impact the oral health of those in greatest need, especially uninsured and underinsured residents. Prioritizing proposals that improve oral health systems for more equitable outcomes and those that can expand and replicate are key criteria. Initiatives that build upon or complement existing programs funded by the foundation are especially welcome.

Eligibility

Organization's Location
USA
Program Location
AR
Organization Type
Arkansas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Government agency
School
Charitable dental treatment facility
Other
  • Eligible organizations can submit only one Strategic Initiative Grant proposal annually
  • Oral health programs must target underserved, uninsured, and/or underinsured Arkansans
  • Funding available for single or multi-year projects
  • Applications accepted year-round, starting with a Letter of Interest about the project idea

Ineligibility

Dental treatment expenses
Capital campaigns
Individuals
Fundraising events/sponsorships
Private foundations and endowments
Reduction of organizational debt
Excessive salary costs, travel, or incentives/gifts
Programs that discriminate on any basis
not specified

Submission

Review Criteria

Our organization is open to funding proposals focused on oral health, especially those that exhibit any of the following characteristics:

  • Proven operational and financial health.
  • Detailed project execution plans, including timelines, responsibilities, and implementation steps.
  • Capabilities for effective monitoring, evaluation, and documentation of intended impacts, methodologies employed, and progress achieved.
  • Engagement in partnerships across organizations, educational institutions, and dental or healthcare professionals.
  • Commitment to inclusivity and representation of diverse communities.
  • Provision of comprehensive support services that connect participants with additional social resources.
  • Introduction of new oral health initiatives in regions lacking such services.
  • History of successful funding utilization, evidenced by thorough progress and/or conclusion reports from previously sponsored endeavors.