The Access to Care Grant Program offers funding opportunities to non-private dental and medical organizations in the United States and its territories.
It aims to help community-based programs that provide dental care to underserved children, ensuring they get the oral healthcare they need. Selected applicants can receive grants of up to $30,000 for a 12-month period.
Grant Program Details Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | Access to Care Grant Program |
| Funding Amount | Up to $30,000 |
| Funding Duration | 12 months |
| Application Period | 2025-2026 (Exact dates announced via email to registered users) |
| Eligible Organizations | Nonprofit dental/medical organizations, government agencies, hospitals, clinics, colleges, etc. |
| Ineligible Organizations | Private practices, for-profit entities, non-dentist-led projects |
| Use of Funds | Salaries, equipment, travel, meals, education materials, etc. |
| Application Access | Available on grant interface website once live |
| Support Contact | Jasmine Williams (jwilliams@aapdfoundation.org) |
Who Can Apply?
Several types of organizations can apply for this grant, which is intended to support pediatric dental care:
- Nonprofit organizations: Any non-profit group that focuses on dental or medical care for children.
- Local health jurisdictions: City or county-level public health departments.
- County health departments: County government health programs.
- Hospitals and clinics: Medical institutions that provide dental care.
- State government agencies: Government health agencies at the state level.
- Colleges and schools of dentistry: Dental schools that focus on children’s oral health.
- Colleges and schools of medicine: Medical schools that have a focus on pediatric or family medicine.
- National, state, and local dental societies: Groups that support dental professionals.
- Non-pediatric dentist programs: Dental programs that focus on general dental care but include leadership from pediatric dentists.
- Hygienist-based programs: Programs run by dental hygienists, as long as they are under the supervision of a dentist.
- Resident-based programs: Programs that are led by dental residents, but a licensed dentist must oversee all patients.
Who Cannot Apply?
Some groups are not eligible for this grant:
- Non-dentist-led projects: Any project that is not led by a dentist is not allowed to apply.
- Private practices: Individual dental practices cannot apply for this grant.
- For-profit entities: Businesses that make a profit cannot apply.
- Personal expenses: The grant cannot be used for personal expenses unrelated to dental care for underserved children.
How Do I Apply?
The application process for the 2025-2026 Access to Care Grant is straightforward. The application is available on the grant interface website.
Organizations that have applied before should use their existing account to log in. If any issues arise, like forgotten passwords or trouble logging in, you can contact Jasmine Williams at jwilliams@aapdfoundation.org for help.
Accessing the Application
Once the application for the 2025-2026 period opens, all registered organizations will get an email notification. To apply, simply log in and click the “Apply” button at the top left-hand corner of the page. Alternatively, you can click the blue “Apply” button under the “Active Request” category. If you need help with the process, Jasmine Williams is available to assist via email or phone.
Is There an Access Code?
No, there is no access code required for this application. You can go ahead and click the “Apply” button once you log in.
Approved Use of Funds
The grant funds can be used for a variety of expenses as long as they are directly related to providing dental care for children. Here are some examples of approved uses:
- Salaries: Paying staff who are involved in the dental care program.
- Instruments and equipment: Buying tools and equipment necessary for dental care.
- Education materials: Purchasing books, pamphlets, or other materials to educate children about dental care.
- Travel and transportation costs: Covering transportation for children to attend their dental appointments.
- Meal costs: Providing food for children during their dental visits.
- Take-home supplies: Giving children toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other supplies to maintain their dental hygiene at home.
The foundation is open to funding unique or nontraditional requests. If you are unsure about whether a specific item or service qualifies, you can contact Jasmine Williams for clarification.
Additional Guidance for Larger Institutions
If your clinic is part of a larger organization, the AAPD Foundation wants you to only include information that relates to your specific area of work. Avoid using broad details about the entire organization, such as general mission statements or finances. Focus on the dental care and child oral health aspects of your program.
Is My Organization a Startup?
The foundation defines a startup as any newly established organization or clinic that has been officially recognized within the last three years. If your organization has received its nonprofit designation in the past three years, it is considered a startup. However, new projects started by existing organizations will also be considered for the grant.
Benefits of the Access to Care Grant Program
Receiving the Access to Care Grant can bring significant benefits to organizations focused on providing dental care to underserved children:
- Financial Support: The grant offers up to $30,000 in funding over a year, allowing organizations to cover crucial expenses such as salaries, equipment, and transportation.
- Improved Access to Dental Care: The program supports efforts to provide dental care to children who may not otherwise have access, helping reduce oral health disparities.
- Community Impact: By receiving this grant, organizations can enhance their capacity to serve children in their community, providing long-term benefits through improved oral health.
- Flexibility in Fund Use: The foundation allows grant recipients to use funds in creative ways, including covering travel, meals, and take-home supplies, to ensure children receive comprehensive dental care.
- Increased Program Reach: Organizations can expand their services to reach more children, possibly introducing new initiatives that address the dental needs of those with limited access.
- Support for Nontraditional Programs: Unique or nontraditional programs, such as those led by hygienists under a dentist’s supervision, can receive support, broadening the scope of dental care offerings.
By applying for the Access to Care Grant, organizations can strengthen their ability to deliver essential dental care to children in underserved communities.