[CareQuest Institute for Oral Health](https://www.carequest.org)

No set minimum or maximum; award size is flexible and based on project scope. Typical grant period is up to one year.

Supports U.S. projects advancing oral health equity through policy change, innovative care models, and workforce diversity focused on historically underserved communities.

--- ## Description The Advancing Equity Through Oral Health Fund is a grant program from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health that backs policy and systems-change initiatives aimed at advancing oral health equity within the United States. The fund prioritizes projects that improve access to equitable oral health care, develop innovative integrated medical-dental care models, and strengthen and diversify the oral health workforce. The ultimate goal is to catalyze transformation in the oral health system, particularly for communities that have been historically affected by inequities. Eligible projects may include policy advocacy, the development or expansion of integrated care models, and strategies to build a more culturally competent and diverse workforce. --- ## Due Dates - June 4, 2026: Concept submission deadline - July 22, 2026: Full proposal submission deadline - November 9, 2026: Concept submission deadline - January 4, 2027: Full proposal submission deadline - February 15, 2027: Concept submission deadline - April 12, 2027: Full proposal submission deadline - November 8, 2027: Concept submission deadline Applicants must first submit a concept; if invited, a full proposal is required by the corresponding deadline. --- ## Funding Amount - There is no set minimum or maximum award amount; budgets should be appropriate to the project scope and justified in the application. - Funding period is typically up to one year per award. - Indirect expense rate up to 15% is allowed. - Applicants may reapply for new projects in subsequent cycles. --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants are: - U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or educational/research institutions with tax-exempt status. - Organizations must be based in the 50 U.S. states or Washington, DC, and all funded activities must occur within these areas. - Organizations must have experience in, or a willingness to begin, policy or systems-change work at the local, state, or national level. - Applicants should demonstrate a track record of applying a health equity or racial equity lens and a commitment to deepening expertise in social determinants of oral health. - Projects must be led by, or strongly informed through, trusted relationships with communities historically affected by oral health inequities. - For-profit entities and individuals are not eligible. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Eligibility and Alignment** - Confirm organizational eligibility and alignment with the fund's focus areas. 2. **Submit a Concept** - Submit a brief (up to 500 words) concept via the [Fluxx online portal](http://carequest.fluxx.io/). - Concepts can be submitted at any time, but to be considered for a specific cycle, submit by the relevant deadline. - The concept should describe the issue, project, and intended use of funds. 3. **Full Proposal (By Invitation)** - If invited, submit a detailed proposal including a project narrative, work plan, and budget. - Additional documentation such as a demographics form, DEI statement, and budget narrative may be required. - For guidance, see the [2026 Grant Proposal Guidance Document](https://carequest.org/carequest_institute_2025-grant-proposal-guidance-document_1-28-26_date-edit-mc/). 4. **Review and Determination** - Proposals are reviewed and funding decisions are communicated according to the grant cycle timeline. --- ## Additional Information - The fund supports a wide range of activities, including policy advocacy, community engagement, care delivery innovation, and research. - CareQuest Institute does not fund capital expenses, direct service, mobile vans, or payments for procedures. - Grant cycles are transitioning: three cycles per year in 2026, two cycles per year starting in 2027. - Organizations are encouraged to contact the grants team before applying to discuss project fit. - Existing grantees may reapply in future cycles for new or continued work. --- ## External Links - [Fund Overview & Application Portal](https://carequest.org/grants-overview/apply/) - [CareQuest Institute Grantmaking](https://carequest.org/how-we-work/grantmaking/search-all-grants) - [2026 Grant Proposal Guidance Document](https://carequest.org/carequest_institute_2025-grant-proposal-guidance-document_1-28-26_date-edit-mc/) - [FAQ on Grants](https://carequest.org/faq/#grants) - [Register for Fluxx Portal](http://carequest.fluxx.io/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [grants@carequest.org](mailto:grants@carequest.org) | | Contact form | [CareQuest Contact Page](https://www.carequest.org/contact) | ---

Advancing Equity Through Oral Health Fund

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