[American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation](https://aapdfoundation.org)

September 2026 (Application submission deadline)

Up to $30,000 for one year; selected projects may be invited for multi-year support

Funds U.S. community-based initiatives that improve dental care access for underserved children, supporting projects that help establish a primary dental provider.

--- ## Description This grant supports community-based organizations in the United States and its territories that provide dental care to underserved or limited access children, with the goal of helping these children establish a primary dental provider. Funding is designed to improve access to pediatric dental care, address oral health disparities, and support innovative approaches to delivering care. Grants may be used for a wide range of expenses directly linked to providing regular dental care for children, including salaries, equipment, educational materials, outreach, transportation, and more. The program encourages diverse and nontraditional projects as long as they result in children receiving comprehensive oral health care. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated application submission deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $30,000 for a one-year project period. - On an invitation-only basis, previous grantees demonstrating strong impact may be considered for multi-year grants (three to five years) with additional financial and technical support. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Nonprofit 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations - University-affiliated dental schools and their clinics - Community college-affiliated programs - Local health jurisdictions, county health departments, hospitals, and clinics - State government agencies - National, state, and local dental societies - Colleges/schools of medicine (pediatric and family medicine departments only) Additional requirements: - Projects must be dentist-led (pediatric dentist preferred, but not required). - Hygienist- and resident-based programs are eligible if overseen by a licensed dentist. - Only organizations located in the U.S. or its territories are eligible. - Projects must serve children 18 years old or younger. - Private practices, for-profit entities, and non-domestic programs are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted through the AAPD Foundation’s online grant platform (Foundant Technologies). - No access code is required; applicants must create or access an account on the platform. - The next call for applications is expected to open in summer 2026. - Applications should focus on the specific clinic/department providing pediatric dental care, not the larger institution. - Applicants are encouraged to detail how funds will directly result in improved access to dental care for children. - Reviewers evaluate applications based on project goals, impact, sustainability, and alignment with the Foundation’s mission. --- ## Additional Information - Funding is flexible and may cover salaries, equipment, supplies, transportation, interpretation services, educational materials, and more. - The Foundation does not fund direct payments to families, adult care, private practices, personal expenses, or existing debts. - All funded organizations receive the latest edition of the AAPD’s Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry and access to a peer networking platform. - Priority is given to projects with pediatric dental leadership and those targeting children ages 8 and younger, but all eligible organizations serving children up to 18 are encouraged to apply. --- ## External Links - [AAPD Foundation – Apply for Grants](https://aapdfoundation.org/apply-for-grants/) - [Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://aapdfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2026-2027-One-Year-Access-to-Care-Grant-Guidelines.pdf) - [Types of Grants](https://aapdfoundation.org/types-of-grants/) - [Contact Page](https://aapdfoundation.org/contact-us/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Title | Email | Phone | |---------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Jasmine Williams, Grants and Programs Assistant Manager | [jwilliams@aapdfoundation.org](mailto:jwilliams@aapdfoundation.org) | (773) 938-4989 | | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://aapdfoundation.org/contact-us/) | 312-337-2169 |

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