Types of Grants

Grantmaking is the Oral Health Foundation’s primary means of achieving its mission. Every organization which approaches us about funding to improve oral health represents a potential opportunity.  The Foundation invites inquiries and applications for support from non-profit organizations across Massachusetts whose mission and program goals are aligned with the Foundation goals for 2008. 

INFRASTRUCTURE
(Applications for Infrastructure Grants are due before and up to August 1, 2008. Decisions will be announced by the end of October 2008.)
                   
INCREASING ACCESS is a key Foundation goal. One strategy to reach this goal is to integrate, improve, and expand the oral health components of the health care safety net in Massachusetts.  Grants in this round of funding will support improvements and expansion of the oral health infrastructure to increase access to treatment and prevention services for the underserved. Up to $800,000 will be awarded.

The Foundation recognizes that the oral health crisis is in part a crisis of access to care and especially access to preventative care. This is particularly true for underserved populations. A strong infrastructure of oral health care must be in place to effectively address the disparities in oral health status so all residents of the Commonwealth can attain optimal oral health, a critical component of overall health.

For Guidelines and Conditions of Funding for Infrastructure Grants, and a link to the online application, please click here.

ACCESS
(The deadline for applications for Access grants is March 10, 2008. Decisions will be announced in late May, 2008.)

Oral Health Foundation is committed to reducing oral health disparities through better access to preventive oral health care.  The Foundation currently supports local coalitions within Massachusetts who have fostered leadership and are implementing oral health at a community level.

In 2008, the Oral Health Foundation will expand support for community solutions to address oral health disparities. The Foundation looks to assist coalitions who are actively engaged in addressing health issues and who are willing to devise responses to decrease dental disease at a local level. Applicants should articulate their plan to develop community-oriented solutions that address the oral health needs of a geographic area or specific population in Massachusetts. Currently operating community-based coalitions or task forces are expected to receive priority consideration for 2008 Access Grant funding.

PREVENTION MODELS
(The deadline for applications for Prevention Models grants is March 10, 2008. Decisions will be announced in late May, 2008.)

The Foundation is committed to reducing the incidence of dental disease through evidence-based public health interventions. 2008 Foundation Prevention Grants will support organizations willing to implement models shown to be effective in reducing dental disease. In particular, the Foundation will support agencies wishing to initiate, expand or enhance sealant programs. Schools provide a captive audience. Due to dental pain or hidden infection, many school children are prevented from fully participating in their classes. Approximately 51 million hours of school time are lost nationally due to oral disease.