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

No strict minimum or maximum; awards are typically for up to one year and are flexible based on project scope and alignment.

Supports policy and systems-change projects to advance equitable oral health care and integrated care models for underserved communities.

Concept submission is required before full proposal; all activities must occur within the US or DC.

--- ## Description The Advancing Equity Through Oral Health Fund, offered by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, provides funding for projects that aim to improve access to equitable oral health care, drive policy change at the federal and state levels, and foster innovative, integrated medical-dental care models. The fund emphasizes work led by or deeply informed by communities historically affected by oral health inequities, with a central focus on advancing health equity and addressing the social determinants of oral health. Supported projects may include policy and advocacy, community capacity building, care delivery innovations, and research to catalyze systemic change. --- ## Due Dates - **Concept Submission Deadlines:** - June 4, 2026 - November 9, 2026 - February 15, 2027 - November 8, 2027 - **Full Proposal Deadlines (by invitation):** - July 22, 2026 - January 4, 2027 - April 12, 2027 *All applicants must submit a concept first; only selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.* --- ## Funding Amount - There is no strict minimum or maximum funding amount. - Awards are typically for up to one year. - Funding is flexible and determined based on the scope of work and alignment with CareQuest Institute’s priorities. - Grantees may reapply in subsequent cycles. --- ## Eligibility - **Organizations must:** - Be a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, government agency, or educational/research institution with tax-exempt status. - Be based in one of the 50 US states or Washington, DC; all funded activities must occur within these jurisdictions. - Demonstrate experience in, or willingness to begin, policy or systems-change work at the local, state, or national level. - Have a proven track record of applying a health equity or racial equity lens in their work. - Be committed to deepening expertise in the social determinants of oral health. - **Not eligible:** - For-profit organizations and individuals. - Projects focused on direct dental care, capital expenses, mobile vans, or payments for procedures. --- ## Application Process 1. **Submit a Concept:** - All applicants must submit a concept (up to 500 words) via the [CareQuest Fluxx portal](http://carequest.fluxx.io/). - The concept should describe the issue, the project, and use of requested funds. 2. **Invitation to Full Proposal:** - Selected applicants will be invited to submit a detailed proposal, including a project narrative, work plan, and budget. - The proposal should address alignment with CareQuest’s pillars, use of equity lenses, community engagement, and measurable outcomes. 3. **Review & Award:** - Proposals are reviewed by CareQuest Institute staff. - Final determinations are typically made within a few months of the full proposal deadline. *Applicants are encouraged to contact the grants team prior to submission to discuss potential projects.* --- ## Additional Information - Projects must center on or be strongly informed by communities most affected by oral health inequities. - The fund supports a range of activities, including policy advocacy, community engagement, integrated care delivery, and research. - CareQuest Institute is transitioning to fewer grant cycles per year starting in 2026; check the [program page](https://carequest.org/grants-overview/apply/) for updates. - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statements and organizational demographics are required as part of the application. - No full budget is needed at the concept stage. --- ## External Links - [CareQuest Institute for Oral Health](https://www.carequest.org) - [Grant Overview & Application Portal](https://carequest.org/grants-overview/apply/) - [2026 Grant Proposal Guidance (PDF)](https://carequest.org/carequest_institute_2025-grant-proposal-guidance-document_1-28-26_date-edit-mc/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](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) | | Online Contact Form | [Contact Us](https://carequest.org/contact) | For questions or to discuss your project before applying, reach out to the grants team at the email above.

Advancing Equity Through Oral Health Fund

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